Mbuli Concerned By WAFCON Timing Amid League Recess
Banyana Banyana interim coach Thinasonke Mbuli says the kick-off time for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco early next year has created a few complications for her team’s preparations.
The tournament will begin in March 2026, coinciding with the South African league’s off-season, which poses a major challenge in ensuring players are match-fit before the competition starts.
The scheduling is also affected by the men’s FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico in June, causing a congested football calendar.
Banyana sealed their place at WAFCON after defeating DR Congo 1–0 in the second leg of the final qualifier — winning 2–1 on aggregate — at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday night.
The decisive goal came from Thembi Kgatlana, who marked her return to the national team with a crucial strike. After drawing 1–1 in the first leg in Kinshasa last week, South Africa entered the return fixture with a valuable away-goal advantage.
Reflecting on the team’s next steps, Mbuli highlighted the importance of maintaining player fitness during the domestic off-season.
“We have a window coming up in November, which is the last FIFA window for the year. We’re hoping to secure a friendly match because the tricky part for us is that WAFCON is in March, and our league is inactive during that period,” said Mbuli, who is standing in for head coach Desiree Ellis, currently in a contract standoff with SAFA.
“Our players will be off in December, and by the beginning of March, WAFCON kicks off. We’ll have to find a balance between players taking their off-season break and staying active.”
Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Lebohang Ramalepe was named Queen of the Match for her outstanding defensive display and leadership at the back.
Despite late pressure from DR Congo, Banyana held firm until Kgatlana’s goal sealed qualification. Mbuli praised her team’s resilience under pressure.
“I mentioned yesterday that we had to win, and yes, we were frustrated towards the end because it was 0–0 and they were pushing hard. I give credit to the defenders for absorbing the pressure,” she said.
