Basadi in Action Sports

Building a squad capable of handling the demands of international football requires more than having a strong starting eleven, and Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis is using every opportunity to ensure her team has the depth to compete when it matters most.  Amogelang Motau on educatin and football South Africa's 3-0 victory over Madagascar at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday completed a 7-0 aggregate win in their Olympic qualifying tie. Beyond securing their place in the next round, the two matches gave Ellis an opportunity to assess her players, experiment with different combinations and see how her less-regular players responded. Ellis made six changes to her starting line-up for the second leg as part of her broader plan to strengthen the squad ahead of important international assignments. The coach believes giving players opportunities now will prove valuable when injuries, unavailability or tactical changes force her to look beyond her established core of play...

Banyana Banyana defender Antonio Maponya believes South Africa can build on their first-leg advantage when they host Madagascar in the second leg of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers at the Free State Stadium. Antonio Maponya The University of the Western Cape defender, who features in the domestic Hollywoodbets Super League, says the team is focused on maintaining consistency and executing their plans as they look to secure progression to the next round.  Banyana Banyana Fixture Details South Africa head into the return fixture with a commanding 4-0 advantage after an emphatic first-leg victory, with Ronnel Donnelly scoring her maiden hat-trick for the senior national team before a Madagascar own goal completed the scoreline. Despite the significance of the encounter, Maponya insists that the team is not feeling the pressure, with their performance in the opening match providing confidence ahead of the decisive fixture. “This is one of the most important games. However, we...

Banyana Banyana will look to finish the job when they host Madagascar in the second leg of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers at the Free State Stadium in South Africa, with Thembi Kgatlana stressing the importance of maintaining their attacking momentum. Thembi Kgatlana South Africa head into the return fixture with a commanding 4-0 advantage after an impressive performance in the first leg, where Ronnel Donnelly announced herself on the international stage with her first hat-trick for the senior national team. A further goal, courtesy of a Madagascar own goal, completed the emphatic victory.  New player in camp with Banyana Banyana While the four-goal cushion puts the reigning African champions in a strong position to progress to the next round, Kgatlana believes the team must continue to find the back of the net as they seek to strengthen their attacking combinations and secure their place in the next qualifying phase. “I think it will boost the team. Already we have four...

Banyana Banyana return to action in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening with one clear objective, to secure their place in the next round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers. South Africa face Madagascar at Free State Stadium, carrying a healthy 4-0 advantage from the first leg. The emphatic victory has put Desiree Ellis’ side in a strong position, but the former African champions will know that the job is not complete until they have delivered another solid performance on home soil. Mamelodi Sundowns forward, Ronnel Donnelly was the star of the opening encounter, finding the back of the net three times, while an own goal added to Madagascar’s misery. The result highlighted Banyana’s attacking quality and their ability to take their chances when opportunities presented themselves. Tuesday’s return leg offers South Africa another chance to demonstrate their strength and consistency as they continue their pursuit of a place at the LA 2028 Olympic Games. The latest squad developm...

Banyana Banyana get their qualification campaign underway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games when they face Madagascar in the first leg of their second round CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifier at Toyota Stadium on Friday evening. South Africa enter the tie at this stage after receiving a bye in the opening round. The African qualification campaign consist of five knockout rounds, with two teams ultimately earning places at the 2028 Olympic Games. The fixture comes after a demanding 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, where Banyana Banyana were eliminated by the hosts in the quarter-finals. They responded with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the subsequent play-off, keeping their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive. Head Coach Desiree Ellis has retained much of the squad that featured at WAFCON, with experienced internationals such as Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane and Andile Dlamini included in the 24 player squad. The squad features a ...

For Siyamthanda Qashani, receiving her first-ever call-up to the South African women's national football team is a moment that carries far more meaning than simply being selected for the national team. Siyamthanda Qashani The University of Pretoria Women's FC [AmaTuks] midfielder’s hard work has been rewarded with an opportunity to represent South Africa, but Qashani believes her journey to the national team has been guided by faith, support and the belief of those around her, It is a moment she and her mother prayed for. “I genuinely believe that I am where I am today because of my mother’s prayers,” Qashani said. “We used to pray for moments like these, and I feel like God has finally answered those prayers in a way that has exceeded my expectations.” While the call-up is a personal achievement, Qashani was quick to acknowledge the role her teammates and coaches have played in helping her reach this stage. “The belief they have shown in me has motivated me to believe in mysel...

Aland United and Banyana Banyana star midfielder Jessica Wade is eager to put her injury disappointment behind her and return to the field stronger than ever. Jessica Wade The Johannesburg-born star missed the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026 (WAFCON) after going under the knife to operate on her niggling Achilles tendon. The 23-year-old former JVW Girls Football Club midfield anchor briefs this publication that her rehabilitation process demanded a lot from her, both physically and emotionally, as she gears up to return to competitive football.  The former Bantwana skipper reflects on her rehabilitation process, saying: "The rehabilitation process has definitely been one of the most challenging periods of my career, both physically and mentally. It has required a lot of patience because there have been a lot of setbacks, but I’ve also learnt a lot about my body and about myself throughout the process.  Physically, I’m continuing to work towards getting back to my best, and ...

Football analyst and founder of the Pitch Women's Football site, Ole Fulutudilu, has been criticized for not being patriotic in her analysis of Banyana Banyana matches in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament currently underway in Morocco.  Ole Fulutudilu The former Banyana Banyana attacker was at the end of the stick after highlighting the threat posed by the Lady Elephants ahead of the Group B tie between South Africa and Côte d'Ivoire. Having played against some players in France, Fulutudilo warned South Africa about the dangers of underestimating the West African nation's attack. Though many felt the Malaga-based football pundit was unpatriotic, she insisted that her analyses were based on her experiences against some players in the Lady Elephants squad.  Fulutudilo says patriotism isn't about cheerleading "True patriotism isn't blind cheerleading. It’s about demanding excellence and speaking the truth because you care deeply about the t...

For Katlego Moletsane, earning a place in Banyana Banyana’s main squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations represents the latest chapter in a journey defined by patience, consistency and determination. Katlego Moletsane The 30-year-old goalkeeper, born in Mafikeng, has been part of the national-team setup since 2012. Having previously travelled as a standby player for the 2012 and 2022 WAFCON campaigns, Moletsane is now ready to seize her opportunity on the continental stage.  Her club career has taken her from Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies and Royal AM Women to the University of the Western Cape Ladies, where her performances have continued to underline her quality. During the 2025/26 campaign, she recorded 13 clean sheets in 24 appearances, conceding just 15 goals. A former outfield player, Moletsane discovered her passion for goalkeeping after watching Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas. Her development has since earned her the Hollywoodbets Goalkeeper of the Season award for ...

 At just 22, Nthabiseng Ronisha Majiya has already built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most exciting attacking talents. The Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies forward, affectionately known as “Neymar”, wears jersey No. 23 for Banyana Banyana at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Nthabiseng Majiya Born in Philippolis, Majiya announced herself in the Hollywoodbets Super League with Richmond United Ladies in 2021, scoring 20 goals in her debut season and earning the Young Player of the Season award. She retained the accolade in 2022 after another impressive campaign. Her performances earned a move to reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in February 2024, where she scored on debut and continued to develop into a dangerous forward.  Majiya also has major tournament experience, having been part of Banyana Banyana’s historic 2022 WAFCON-winning squad and scoring the decisive goal against Botswana. With pace, clinical finishing and fearless movement, Majiya posses...

Banyana Banyana began their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on the wrong foot with a shocking 2-1 defeat in their Group B opener against Tanzania. The Sformer African champions managed to secure a point in a 2-2 draw against a highly motivated Côte d'Ivoire in the second Group B fixture on Friday night before narrowly clinching 1-0 in their must win fixture against Burkina Faso on Tuesday. Veronica Phewa Former South African international Veronica Phewa weighed in on the performance of the team and said the girls didn't perform to the nation's expectations. The former Indiana FC left winger says losing for the first time to Tanzania in a tournament of this magnitude added salt to the wound.  The Soweto-born star says that performance did not inspire confidence. “They didn't play well. I would rather not say much. But that was not a performance that could get us results. Losing to Tanzania for the first time ever in the WAFCON is one thing, but losing playing ...

Fikile Venessa Magama is a South African female player born in Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa. She wears the Number 5 jersey for Banyana Banyana at the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Magama brings composure, intelligence, and defensive resilience to South Africa's backline. Fikile Magama Born on 19 January 2002, the 24-year-old defender currently plays for UWC Ladies in the Hollywoodbets Super League. Standing at 1.55m, Magama has built a reputation as a fearless and technically gifted defender whose game is defined by excellent positioning, anticipation, and calmness under pressure rather than physical stature. Magama's football journey began at the age of seven, inspired and supported by her grandmother. She developed her skills at Cape Town Roses before moving to Dangerous Heroes in Philippi and later featuring for Phuhla FC, a boys' team, where she further sharpened her competitive edge. Her talent earned her a place at the Universit...

Banyana Bayana will look to respond positively when they take on Côte d’lvoire in their second Group B match at the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, 31 July. South Africa head into the encounter under pressure after suffering 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their tournament opener, while Côte d’lvoire arrive full of confidence following a convincing 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso. South Africa With three points separating the two sides, the match presents a crucial opportunity for Banyana Banyana to get their campaign back on track and keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive. Young midfielder Isabella Ludwig believes the focus must now shift to correcting the mistakes made in the opening match. “Obviously, it wasn’t the result we wanted. Going into the next game, we need to improve on the mistakes we made, correct those areas and hopefully get the result we need. There is definitely pressure after the opening result, but it’s important that ...

The road to the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations has not been straightforward for Ronnel Donnelly, but few players arrive in Morocco with a story that better embodies resilience, determination and perseverance. Ronnel Donnelly After spending most of the 2025 season on the sidelines through injury, the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies forward has fought her way back into contention at just the right time. Two appearances were all she needed to remind everyone of her quality before earning a place in Banyana Banyana's travelling squad for WAFCON, where she wears the number 17 jersey. Her final audition came in the Hollywoodbets Super League against TS Galaxy Queens. Introduced from the bench, Donnelly marked her return in trademark fashion by scoring in Sundowns' 2-0 victory—a timely reminder of the clinical finishing that has made her one of South Africa's brightest attacking prospects. For Donnelly, the Hollywoodbets Super League once again proved to be the perfect platform to...

South Africa’s TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 campaign officially gets underway on Monday 27 July 2026 as Banyana Banyana face Tanzania in their Group B opener in Casablanca. Having carved their name into the history books by winning their first-ever WAFCON title in 2022, Banyana Banyana return to the continental championship looking to build on that success and make another strong impression on Africa’s biggest stage. Bambanani Mbane The 2026 edition, which runs from 26 July to 16 August, marks the first time the tournament will feature 16 teams. Hosted by Morocco, the competition begins with group stage before progressing to the knockout rounds. Beyond continental honours, the tournament also acts as a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification. Drawn in Group B, South Africa will face Tanzania, Cote d’lvoire and Burkina Faso, with all of their group stage fixtures taking place in Casablanca. B...

At just 23 years old, Isabella Alexa Ludwig has emerged as one of South Africa's brightest young midfielders. Her composed performances, technical ability and maturity beyond her years have earned her a place in Banyana Banyana's squad for the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where she will represent South Africa on the continent's biggest stage. Player Profile Full Name: Isabella Alexa Ludwig Date of Birth: 13 December 2002 Age: 23 Nationality: South African Position: Midfielder Current Club: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Squad Number: 8 From Domestic Football to the National Team Ludwig's rise through South African women's football has been built on consistency and impressive performances in the domestic game. After helping TUKS Ladies reach the 2022 Sasol League National Championship final, she joined Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in 2025, where she has continued her development in one of the country's most successful clubs. Her performances did not...

Netball South Africa began their Commonwealth Games campaign with a statement performance, defeating Malawi 65–44 in their opening Pool A encounter. The fixture carried added significance, with Malawi historically being one of South Africa’s toughest opponents on the international stage. Known for their speed, athleticism and attacking flair, the Malawi Queens have often challenged the Proteas with their ability to play at a high tempo and punish defensive lapses. For South Africa, this opening match was about more than securing a win. It was an opportunity to set the tone for their Commonwealth Games campaign and show their intent against a familiar rival. The Proteas delivered exactly that winning all four quarters and producing a performance built on defensive discipline, composure and strong shooting execution. Match Review: Proteas Set the Tone South Africa started the match with purpose, taking an 18–12 lead after the opening quarter. Malawi immediately showed why their speed is ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE As the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continues, South Africa's SPAR Proteas are ready to take on one of the biggest stages in international netball. The team heads to Scotland carrying not only the hopes of millions of South Africans but also the responsibility of continuing to grow the game and inspire the next generation of young netball players. The announcement of the Commonwealth Games squad has generated excitement across the country. The selected players represent a healthy balance of experienced internationals and exciting young talent who have earned their places through consistent performances for both their franchises and the national team. The squad reflects the progress Netball South Africa has made over the past few years in strengthening its player pathway and ensuring that talented athletes are given opportunities to compete at the highest level. Leading the team into this campaign is head coach Jenny van Dyk, who will overse...

Banyana Banyana succumbed to a 5-0 defeat to a formidable Japan in the first of the two international friendlies played at the Nagai Ballgame Field. AntoniaMaponya The gap on the FIFA international ranking charts proved the fifth-placed Japan had an upper hand over a 58th-ranked South Africa. In the critical moment of the game, the first minute of the match, Japan scored their first goal. A lapse in concentration from the visiting South Africa resulted in a clean goal from the boot of Kiko Seike, who beat Andile Dlamini on the first post. With Japan commanding a lion's share of the possession, forcing Banyana Banyana to play more back passes, pinning them in their half, and committing errors. Banyana Banyana skipper, Refiloe Jane, lost the ball on the verge of her box, which resulted in Japan winning possession, and Nagano spotted the run of Sieke and played her through; the latter slotted it past Andile Jane to give Japan their second goal in the 18th minute. With South Africa cha...

Banyana Banyana will continue their preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they take on world-ranked Japan in an international friendly on Saturday, 6 June. Thembi Kgatlana The encounter forms part of South Africa's build-up to the continental showpiece in Morocco next month, where the former African champions will look to bring back the title they won in 2022. For senior forward Thembi Kgatlana, the two-match series against Japan presents an ideal opportunity for the team to measure itself against one of the world's leading football nations while fine-tuning key aspects of their game ahead of WAFCON. "We always want to play against the best teams in the world to measure ourselves, to see where the progress is and how far we can get to where we want to be," said Kgatlana. The striker believes facing a highly ranked opponent such as Japan will provide valuable lessons both on and off the pitch. "There are things that we are worki...