Despite keeping World Cup hopes alive, Banyana Banyana need a reset
Banyana Banyana’s hopes of qualifying for a third-ever Fifa World Cup remain firmly alive after a 2-1 win over Nigeria in the first playoff round. The South Africans have now advanced to an intercontinental playoff phase, which begins in November. Even if they manage to qualify via this route, it is clear that Banyana Banyana need a massive overhaul.
Despite keeping their World Cup hopes alive, South Africa's women's national team, Banyana Banyana, require a significant overhaul. The team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nigeria, moving forward to the intercontinental playoff phase. In this next stage, which begins in November, Banyana Banyana and their counterparts Ghana will compete against teams from Asia, Oceania, and South America. However, even if they manage to qualify through this route, Banyana Banyana must undergo substantial changes.
After the Nigerian match, the South African squad's captain, Refiloe Jane, reflected on the team's shortcomings during the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon). She emphasized the need to acknowledge strengths and weaknesses, then work on improvement. Captain Jane also highlighted the team's current division as a hindrance to their cause at Wafcon 2026. They had hoped to qualify for their third World Cup appearance, following their success in 2019 and 2023.
The nation's women's soccer landscape has seen improvement, but internal divisions within Banyana Banyana have impacted their performance. After the World Cup qualifications, Ellis led South Africa to their first-ever knockout round appearance at the 2026 World Cup. Ellis also steered South Africa to their sole Women's Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2022. The coach acknowledged the physical toll of recent events and suggested a period of regrouping.
Currently, South African soccer's top division, the Super League, is ongoing. However, it was halted for Wafcon preparations before resuming. This, combined with factionalism within the Banyana Banyana set-up, has adversely affected the team's chances of qualifying for the World Cup directly. A major reset within the squad, including new leadership voices, is crucial for Banyana Banyana to progress.
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