Banyana Banyana will be without key overseas based players in the 1st leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against DR Congo on Wednesday.
In a statement released by the South African Football Association (SAFA), the quartet of Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia, Amogelang Motau and Sinoxolo Cesane have not made the trip to Kinshasa and are expected to link up with the team in South Africa ahead of the second leg in Johannesburg next week.
However, Denmark based Bongeka Gamede arrived on Sunday while Linda Motlhalo who is based in Scotland, is expected to join the team on Tuesday.
The absence of the players who ply their trade in Mexico could be a blow for the former African champions who do not have a prolific striker in camp, especially Kgatlana whose return to the team has been an anticipated one from fans after missing the WAFCON earlier this year due to personal reasons.
The two-legged affair with Congo is the first time Banyana are in action since the WAFCON in Morocco three months ago. The winner of this tie will qualify for next year’s WAFCON in Morocco with the semi-finalists directly qualifying for the 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Meanwhile, iDiski Times has learned that assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli will take charge of the team in Congo in the absence of head coach Dr Desiree Ellis, as she reportedly continues talks with the FA regarding a new contract.
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