Banyana Banyana interim coach Thinasonke Mbuli has expressed concerns regarding the timing of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to take place in Morocco next March.
The tournament coincides with the South African league’s off-season, posing significant challenges in ensuring players remain match-fit prior to the competition.
Additionally, the scheduling conflicts with the men’s FIFA World Cup, to be held in June across USA, Canada, and Mexico, which has resulted in a congested football calendar.
Banyana secured their spot in WAFCON by defeating DR Congo 1–0 in the second leg of the final qualifier — winning 2–1 on aggregate at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday night.
The vital goal came from Thembi Kgatlana, marking her return to the national team with an important strike. After a 1–1 draw in the first leg in Kinshasa, South Africa entered the return fixture with a crucial away-goal advantage.
Mbuli emphasized the need to maintain player fitness during the domestic off-season. “We have a window coming up in November, the last FIFA window for the year. We’re hoping to arrange a friendly match, as WAFCON is in March while our league remains inactive,” Mbuli noted, stepping in for head coach Desiree Ellis, who is currently in contract negotiations with SAFA.
“Our players will be off in December, and by early March, WAFCON begins. We must balance the players’ off-season break and their fitness,” she added.
Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Lebohang Ramalepe earned the title of Queen of the Match for her exemplary defensive performance and leadership.
Despite late pressure from DR Congo, Banyana remained resilient until Kgatlana’s goal confirmed their qualification, with Mbuli commending her team’s ability to withstand the pressure.
“I mentioned yesterday that we had to win, and yes, we felt frustration late in the game with a scoreless situation. I credit the defenders for managing to absorb the pressure,” she said.
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