Ellis Details Banyana Preparation Plan For 2027 World Cup Playoffs
Banyana Banyana coach Dr. Desiree Ellis says thorough preparations will be key ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 intercontinental playoff qualifiers in November 2026.
The four-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year was speaking after the 2022 African champions arrived back in South Africa from Morocco following their participation in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
South Africa suffered a quarterfinal exit against host nation Morocco, missing out on direct qualification. However, Banyana Banyana kept their World Cup dream alive by defeating long-time rivals Nigeria 2–1 in the continental playoff route.
The South Africans now advance to the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for November and December. The official draw takes place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with potential opponents including Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan. Ghana are also in the playoff draw, but FIFA regulations prohibit two nations from the same confederation facing each other.
“We didn’t start well at the WAFCON but got better as the tournament progressed. Unfortunately, we ran out of time,” said Ellis.
“Now we have a World Cup lifeline in the intercontinental play-offs, and we have to be at our best to reach the final stage. We need thorough preparations to do well, and the next few weeks before the mini-tournament will be crucial.
“The good thing is that most of our players will be active as the leagues are already underway, and that will help a lot.”
South Africa’s crucial 2–1 victory over Nigeria in the WAFCON fifth-place playoff marked Banyana’s third consecutive victory over the Super Falcons in competitive fixtures.
Before turning their focus to the November intercontinental showpiece, Banyana Banyana’s next task will be a two-legged Olympic Games qualifying tie against Madagascar in October.
It serves as the opening stage of the CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament pathway leading to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
