Banyana Banyana are preparing for a defining test without several of their most influential figures as they gear up to face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday afternoon in the first leg of the final round of the 2026 FIFA Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
Leadership Void as Ellis Sits Out
For the first time in years, the national women’s team will head into a major qualifier without head coach Desiree Ellis on the touchline. Ellis, who has led Banyana to continental glory and guided them to two World Cup appearances, remains absent from the squad due to unresolved contract negotiations with the South African Football Association (SAFA). Her previous deal expired after the Paris Olympic Games, leaving her to operate on a month-to-month agreement until now.
The timing could hardly be worse. With WAFCON serving as a gateway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil as the semi-finalists will automatically qualify Ellis’s absence casts a shadow over Banyana’s preparations.
Assistant Coach Steps Up
In her absence, long-serving assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli will take charge. Mbuli, who also coaches the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in the Hollywoodbets Super League, is no stranger to the national setup. Having been part of Ellis’s technical team through both triumphs and setbacks, she is widely viewed as the logical successor to the top job.
Mbuli’s credentials are strong she led a side to victory in the COSAFA Cup and secured qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League. Now, she faces her biggest challenge yet: guiding a depleted squad in one of the most pivotal qualifiers in recent memory.
Overseas Stars Missing
Adding to the team’s woes is the absence of four key overseas-based players: Amogelang Motau, Thembi Kgatlana, Sinoxolo Cesane, and Hildah Magaia. All four play their club football in Mexico and were unavailable to join the camp that began on Sunday. Their absence leaves a noticeable gap in both experience and firepower, particularly up front where Kgatlana and Magaia have been instrumental in recent years.
Testing Times After a Tough Campaign
Banyana’s recent form has been far from reassuring. They endured a disappointing 2024 WAFCON campaign, relinquishing their continental crown and finishing fourth. The fallout from that performance has lingered, with speculation about leadership changes and internal friction surfacing soon after.
Retired striker Jermaine Seoposenwe publicly criticised Ellis following the tournament, alleging that she failed to support players during a dispute with SAFA. The remarks reignited debate over the management’s relationship with players and whether a new era is needed for the team to rebuild its morale and unity.
New Challenges, New Opportunities
While these absences and controversies could destabilise a lesser side, Banyana have historically shown resilience under pressure. Mbuli’s leadership could prove pivotal in uniting the locally based players and re-establishing team confidence. With the likes of Refiloe Jane and Andile Dlamini expected to anchor the squad, there remains enough experience to navigate the first leg successfully.
This qualifier isn’t just another fixture it’s a test of character for a team in transition. The absence of seasoned stars and a head coach could inspire a new generation of leaders within the squad.
A Defining Moment Awaits
As Banyana Banyana take to the field in Kinshasa, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A strong first-leg result could set the tone for their return home next week, keeping their WAFCON and World Cup hopes alive. Missing familiar faces might be a setback, but it could also mark the start of a bold new chapter for the reigning queens of African football.
Related article: Banyana Banyana Ready to Defend WAFCON Crown in Morocco
