Desiree Ellis names 24-player Banyana Banyana squad for Algeria friendlies

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has unveiled a 24-player squad for next month’s international friendlies against Algeria senior women's national football team, combining seasoned internationals with emerging talent as the team gears up for a pivotal year.

The South Africans will face the North African side on 14 and 17 April, fixtures that present an ideal platform to fine-tune preparations ahead of a packed calendar.

Banyana had initially been scheduled to compete in the postponed Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026. The competition, which was originally set to be held in Morocco between 17 March and 3 April, has now been moved to 25 July to 16 August 2026.

This 14th edition of the tournament, to be staged in Morocco for a third straight time, will feature 16 teams — an increase from the 12 that took part previously. It will be a WAFCON tournament that will carry significant weight for Ellis and her squad, with a semi-final finish enough to secure qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Among those included are promising youngster Thorisho Mphelo of JVW FC, alongside the returning experienced duo of Hilda Magaia and Kaylan Swart, both of whom missed the previous outing against Morocco. However, Thembi Kgatlana remains absent, with Ellis confirming the forward is still recovering from injury and will not feature in these matches.

Ellis also stressed that selection remains open, with players still able to push for inclusion as the Safa Women's Super League season unfolds later this year.

“To the players that are selected, it’s another opportunity to raise their hands," Ellis said on SABC Sport.

“For those that didn’t make the squad, the door is not closed to anyone. Players who had not played for the national team for years have come back into the national team. All we are looking for is consistency and intensity—show up, and there will be an opportunity.”

Looking ahead, Banyana are set to take on Japan in a high-level international friendly in June, offering a crucial benchmark against one of the world’s leading sides.

“This was secured based on WAFCON happening in March,” Ellis continued.

“We had to secure an opponent leading up to the World Cup, and Japan was secured. They are a fantastic team, and we have to be tactically disciplined. They showed their quality and what they are capable of when they beat the world champions, Spain women's national football team, in their group match. 

“They will challenge us technically and tactically. They are almost similar to us in stature and style of play, and it will get us ready for WAFCON.”