Player of the season and top scorer left out of Banyana Banyana squad
Banyana Banyana have named a sizeable 38-player group for their Alignment camp ahead of a massive year for women’s football, but one name missing from the list has already become the centre of the conversation.
The camp, announced by coach Dr Desiree Ellis, runs from 13 February 2026 and stretches across both the COSAFA Women’s Championship in Polokwane and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. With two major tournaments back-to-back, this camp is effectively the foundation of South Africa’s entire 2026 campaign.
The road to COSAFA and WAFCON
South Africa will compete in Group A at COSAFA alongside Malawi, Lesotho and Angola, with group action kicking off on 18 February and the final set for 1 March. The WAFCON journey begins just two weeks later on 17 March.
Because of the tight turnaround, Ellis has designed the camp to run continuously, allowing players to prepare collectively before the squad is trimmed for the final WAFCON selection. International-based stars will only join on 25 February, once the FIFA window opens.
The biggest surprise: Leandra Smeda misses out
The most unexpected talking point is the omission of Leandra Smeda, who just days ago swept two of the biggest honours at the Hollywoodbets Super League awards: Player of the Season and Top Goal Scorer.
Smeda, representing TS Galaxy Queens, dominated the domestic league and stood out as one of its most influential attacking players. Her absence is notable, especially given how strongly she finished the season. While Ellis hasn’t publicly commented on the omission, it has raised questions about the selection criteria and what type of profile the technical team is prioritising for 2026.
Other award winners rewarded with call-ups
Interestingly, other award recipients were included. JVW’s Bonolo Mokoma earned her spot after claiming both Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year, finishing with an impressive 18 goals in what many have called her breakout season.
Goalkeeper of the Year Dineo Magagula also received the call, further cementing her rise in the national setup. Newer awards like Defender of the Season and Midfielder of the Season, won by Karabo Dhlamini and Jessica Wade respectively, were similarly recognised at national level.
Their inclusion shows a clear pattern: form matters, but the balance of the squad seems to have been determined by more than just the awards table.
A wider reflection on Banyana’s rebuild
Banyana Banyana are in a transitional cycle following recent retirements and the evolving competition on the continent. WAFCON 2026 in Morocco will be one of the most competitive editions yet, especially as more nations professionalise their structures.
Ellis’s selection leans heavily toward continuity with trusted performers, while still injecting younger players who have stood out domestically. Leaving out Smeda may suggest the coaches have a specific tactical plan or positional focus they want to refine in camp.
It also shows how competitive national team football has become, where even the most decorated league performers are not guaranteed a spot.
Full squad list
Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon
Defenders: Fikile Magama, Asanda Hadebe, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Shakira O’Malley, Sinegugu Zondi, Yolanda Nduli, Antonia Mponya, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Unathi Simayile, Khutso Pila, Sibahle Maneli, Lebogang Ramalepe
Midfielders: Gabriel Salgado, Sbongakonke Mzobe, Gugu Dhlamini, Sibulele Holweni, Zoe October, Thorisho Mphelo, Bongeka Gamede, Jessica Wade, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Bongiwe Thusi, Isabella Ludwig
Forwards: Noxolo Cesane, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Thato Mofola
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Source: SuperSport
Featured Image Source: LTA Agency on X
