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"I think it’s also a blessing in disguise" - Desiree Ellis.

Banyana Banyana will take a crucial step in their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco when they face Algeria in an international friendly at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 15h00. Desiree Ellis  © BackpagePix The postponement of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has reshaped Banyana Banyana’s preparations, with head coach Desiree Ellis now viewing the delay as a timely opportunity rather than a setback. Originally scheduled for March 17 to April 3, the tournament was pushed to July 25 to August 16, a decision that initially disrupted plans but has since provided valuable breathing room for the squad. “The disappointment was there of course, we were busy preparing, but in hindsight I think it’s also a blessing in disguise,” Ellis admitted, pointing to the uneven readiness within her squad at the time. With the domestic league yet to kick off, players were at varying sta...
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"We want to win it" - TS Galaxy Head Coach Sizwe Sibiya

The 2026 Pirates Cup in Auckland Park at UJ AW Muller Stadium has witnessed TS Galaxy Queens emerge as the dominant force in Group D, topping the table and securing their place in the quarterfinals after a thrilling set of matches. TS Galaxy Top Group D as Pirates Cup Quarterfinals Looms,they collected seven points, equal to TUKS, however edged ahead due to a superior goal difference of +9 compared to TUKS’ +7, demonstrating their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Sizwe Sibiya Galaxy announced their arrival with a stunning 5-0 victory over United Ladies. Samkelisiwe Selana, Relebogile Phala, Nomfundo Buthelezi, Lone Gaofeoge, and Leandra Smeda all found the back of the net, showcasing a squad brimming with talent. They continued their dominance with a 4-0 triumph over Mpumalanga Rising Stars, thanks to goals from Khanyisa Manengela, Lesego Nkoane, Nicole Machael, and Buthelezi, highlighting their clinical finishing and tactical discipline. A hard-fought 1-1 draw against TUKS,...

O’Malley Retains Banyana Spot for Algeria Friendlies

University of the Western Cape (UWC) defender Shakira O’Malley has been named in the Banyana Banyana squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Algeria (7–18 April), as the technical team continues to assess depth and consistency within the backline. Shakira O’Malley © BackpagePix The 23-year-old defender, who was part of the squad at the recent COSAFA Women’s Championship in Polokwane, retains her place in the national setup, taking her senior cap tally to eight. Her continued inclusion points to growing trust from the coaching staff as preparations build toward upcoming continental competitions. O’Malley’s pathway to the senior national team has been gradual but structured. Hailing from Ocean View in Cape Town, she developed through local structures at Ocean View FC before progressing to Spurs WFC, where she gained exposure in a more competitive environment. Her development was further strengthened during her time in the United States, where she featured for the Univ...

From the Hollywoodbets Super League to the United States: “GG” Motshegwe living her dreams

At just 19 years old, Gositang “GG” Motshegwe is already writing a story that stretches far beyond borders. From the streets of Johannesburg to the competitive fields of American college soccer, her journey is one of courage, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in her dreams. Gositang Motshegwe  © BackpagePix Now a midfielder for Hampton University Women’s Soccer in the United States, GG represents a growing wave of South African talent boldly chasing global opportunities — and making their mark. Growing up in Johannesburg, GG’s football journey began in an uncommon yet powerful way. At just 12 years old, she broke into the University of Johannesburg (UJ) boys’ academy — a move that would test her resilience and sharpen her competitive edge early on. “I began my soccer journey at UJ, joining the boys academy team at 12,” she recalls. “I was later moved to the women’s second team, and eventually into the first team in the Hollywoodbets Super League.” That progression at a young age ...

EXCLUSIVE: Aunty Diski – The Voice Behind Female Athletes in South Africa

In a sporting landscape where female athletes have long had to fight for visibility, respect, and fair treatment, Jessica Mushavathu, popularly known as Auntie Diski, is stepping in as both protector and pioneer. Jessica Mushavathu A respected sports TV personality and passionate advocate for women’s football, Mushavathu is also the founder of Bokamoso Sports Agency — a groundbreaking platform dedicated to representing and empowering female athletes across South Africa.  Getting to know Jessica Her mission is clear: give a voice to those who have been overlooked for far too long. “There Was No Outlet” – Turning Frustration Into Purpose Mushavathu’s entry into player representation was not driven by ambition alone, but by necessity. Years of witnessing inequality in women’s sport pushed her to act. “I think there was a lot of injustice that was happening in the women's sports space that I came across through friends, acquaintances and industry colleagues, which was not solution driv...

Sinegugu Zondi Reflects on COSAFA Lessons and the Road to WAFCON

For Sinegugu Zondi, representing South Africa women's national football team is more than just stepping onto the pitch — it is about growth, resilience, and constantly striving to improve.  Sinegugu Zondi © BackpagePix The University of the Western Cape Women's Football Team defender recently featured for Banyana Banyana during the COSAFA Women's Championship in Polokwane, where the team battled their way to the final before narrowly falling 2–1 to Namibia women's national football team. Despite the disappointment of the result, Zondi believes the tournament provided invaluable lessons for the squad as they continue preparing for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations that will be hosted in June — venue yet to be confirmed by CAF. Reflecting on the tournament that was staged in Polokwane from February 18 to March 1, 2026, Zondi highlighted the resilience shown by Banyana Banyana throughout the competition. “I think the team showed a lot of character and determination thr...

Zenatha Coleman: A COSAFA Farewell, But Not the End of the Journey

For over a decade, Zenatha Coleman has been one of the defining figures of Namibian women’s football — a trailblazer whose career has stretched from a small town in southern Namibia to professional leagues across Europe and beyond. Zenatha Coleman  Born in Keetmanshoop, Coleman attended Krönlein Primary School and later J.A. Nel Secondary School, where her football story truly began to take shape. What started as a childhood passion nurtured by family — particularly her late grandfather — would evolve into a remarkable career that saw her represent clubs in Namibia, Lithuania, Spain, Turkey and Cyprus. Now playing for Doğan Türk Birliği Kadın Futbol Takımı, Coleman recently announced at the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship held in Polokwane, South Africa that it was her final appearance at the regional tournament. Her farewell comes on a high after helping Namibia win the competition for the first time — a historic moment for the Namibia women's national football team. While steppi...