Magaia Outlines Banyana World Cup Qualification Plan
Banyana Banyana forward Hildah Magaia has urged her teammates to adopt a strict, one-match-at-a-time mentality as South Africa finalizes preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
With the tournament kicking off on 25 July, the reigning continental champions face a high-stakes campaign in Group B against Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso.
Beyond lifting the trophy, the tournament doubles as Africa’s primary qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, guaranteeing automatic entry for the four semi-finalists.
While Magaia acknowledges the immense pressure of securing a World Cup spot, she insists that hyper-focusing on immediate opponents is the only way to replicate past success.
“For us, it’s about taking one game at a time,” said Magaia.
“It’s not about looking ahead, but about taking each game as it comes so that we can achieve our goals because, obviously, we have goals, which are qualifying for the World Cup and becoming African champions.”
Affectionately known as the “Breadwinner” by fans after scoring the historic winning brace in the 2022 WAFCON final, the 31-year-old expressed profound gratitude for her selection following a grueling battle with physical setbacks.
“It’s all God’s work,” Magaia said.
“I’ve been in and out with injuries, but I’m grateful that I made the team. I’m happy that I was able to overcome all the injuries, be selected and be part of the WAFCON squad.”
Head coach Desiree Ellis has assembled a dynamic 26-player roster that blends veteran experience with explosive youth. Magaia expects the squad’s younger players to play a defining role, dismissing fears that the continental stage might overwhelm them.
“In terms of the younger players in the team, I think they are really going to help us because they have been learning from us and from those who have been playing for Banyana,” Magaia said.
“I know they have been wishing to be here, so now that they are here and going to WAFCON, I believe they are going to put in the work and be able to handle any pressure that comes their way.”
Adding further firepower to the squad is the return of star striker Thembi Kgatlana. The racing forward missed the business end of South Africa’s triumphant 2022 campaign due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, making her partnership upfront with a fully fit Magaia one of the most anticipated storylines of the tournament.
Ellis has included Kgatlana, who missed last year’s tournament, where Banyana were eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual champions Nigeria.
