{
  "id": 9757460,
  "title": "Desiree Ellis names strong Banyana Banyana squad for Madagascar Olympic qualifiers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/desiree-ellis-names-strong-banyana-banyana-squad-for-madagascar",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T11:37:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/banyana/2026-09-25-desiree-ellis-names-strong-banyana-banyana-squad-for-madagascar-olympic-qualifiers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has selected a robust 24-player lineup for the upcoming CAF Olympic qualifiers against Madagascar, scheduled for October 9 and 13 at the Toyota Stadium. The goalkeeper trio of Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, and Kebotseng Moletsane retain their places from the recent WAFCON tournament. In defense, the established trio of Bambanani Mbane, Fikile Magama, and Bongeka Gamede, along with Sinegugu Zondi, who returned after missing WAFCON, continue to form the backbone of the team. Midfielders Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, and Sibulele Holweni are absent, but captain Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, and Amogelang Motau make their return. The forward line, where results are paramount, features veteran goalscorers Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia, and Ronnel Donnelly, with the addition of Siyamthanda Qashani and Bonolo Mokona completing the squad.",
  "summary": "Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis welcomes back skipper Refiloe Jane in a 24-player squad to face Madagascar, seeking redemption after missing out on the last two Olympic Games.",
  "key_points": [
    "Desiree Ellis selects 24-player squad for Madagascar qualifiers",
    "Goalkeeper trio retains from WAFCON tournament",
    "Forward line features Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia, and Ronnel Donnelly"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}