WAFCON Uncertainty: SAFA Delays Banyana Squad Announcement

Uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has led the South African Football Association (SAFA) to delay the announcement of the South Africa women’s national football team squad.

According to Sportswire sources, SAFA and Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis were scheduled to hold a press conference next week to unveil the final squad.

However, SAFA — which was expected to send out media invitations — has now shelved those plans amid uncertainty over whether WAFCON will proceed as scheduled.

Various news outlets have reported that the tournament, initially set to run from 17 March to 3 April, has been postponed.

Adding to the confusion were rumours that Morocco might withdraw as hosts, with South Africa tipped to step in to avoid embarrassment for the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Peace Mabe, even told SABC Sport that the country was prepared to take over the hosting rights. She cited South Africa’s strong infrastructure and successful staging of major international events, including the G20, as proof of its readiness.

However, her comments were later contradicted by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who clarified that South Africa had not been granted the rights to host the tournament.

As matters stand, Morocco remains the officially designated host of WAFCON, which would mark the third consecutive time the country stages the women’s continental showpiece.

Morocco also recently hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations, which concluded in January. However, the absence of preparatory workshops — typically standard practice before major continental tournaments — has further signalled that the competition could be in jeopardy.

Banyana Banyana, who finished fourth at the last WAFCON in Morocco, are currently in camp in Polokwane, where Ellis has assembled her full squad. The team also reached the final of the COSAFA Cup on Friday.

Star striker Thembi Kgatlana, who missed last year’s tournament in Morocco due to personal reasons, has returned to bolster the squad as they aim to win their second continental title.

For this year’s tournament, Ellis’ side were drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.

South Africa are scheduled to be based in Rabat, with all their Group B matches set to be played at the Al Madina Stadium.