16 August 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis says preparations will be key ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 intercontinental play-off qualifying matches in November 2026.
The four-time CAF Woman African Coach of the Year was speaking after the 2022 continental champions arrived from Morocco on Sunday following their participation in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). South Africa was knocked out in the quarterfinals, going down to the host nation, but managed to keep alive their World Cup dream with a crucial win against Nigeria in the play-offs.
Banyana Banyana are now in the intercontinental phase of the play-offs, which are set for November/December. The draw is scheduled for Thursday (20 August 2026) and in the hat are Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and Ghana. But South Africa will not face the Ghanaians as both are from the same Confederation.
“We didn’t start well at the WAFCON but got better as the tournament progressed, unfortunately we ran out of time. Now we have a World Cup lifeline in the inter-continental play-offs, and we have to be at our best to reach the final stage. We need thorough preparations to do well, and the next few weeks before the mini tournament will be crucial. The good thing is that most of our players will be active as the leagues are already on the go, and that will help a lot,” said Dr Ellis.
Banyana Banyana’s next assignment will be the second-round home and away Olympic qualifiers against Madagascar in October.
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