“Excited To Wear The Colours Again”: Salgado Speaks Out On Banyana WAFCON Return

Banyana Banyana midfielder Robyn Moodaly-Salgado has emphasised the importance of finishing top of Group B at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

On paper, South Africa are favourites to top the group, which also features Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.

Tanzania and Burkina Faso are both aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time, while Ivory Coast return to the tournament for the first time since 2014, when they finished third and claimed the bronze medal.

Banyana, who lifted the trophy for the first time in 2022, will be aiming to reclaim the continental crown. This year’s tournament also carries added significance, with the four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Despite South Africa’s status as group favourites, Moodaly-Salgado insisted the team cannot afford to underestimate any of their opponents and must approach every match with the same level of preparation.

“Obviously, we can’t take any team lightly. We do our homework, prepare for each team and take it one game at a time,” said Moodaly-Salgado.

“It’s very important. I think if we can top the group, it will put us in a strong position going forward.”

Moodaly-Salgado has returned to the national team after stepping away in 2023 to focus on her mental health.

The midfielder, who played a key role in Banyana’s historic 2022 WAFCON triumph, said she is delighted to be back in the national setup and has felt welcomed by her teammates.

“I haven’t been back for a while, so I’m just really excited to be wearing the national team colours again,” she said.

“It’s super exciting to be back, to feel welcomed again, to play with my old teammates and to be part of the WAFCON setup once more. I’m really looking forward to it.”