Banyana Banyana Qualify for 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup

Banyana Banyana cemented their status as the dominant force in African women's football by qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, defeating Zambia 3-0 in the COSAFA qualifier final in Durban on Saturday.

The Match

Goals from Thembi Kgatlana (2) and Hildah Magaia secured a comprehensive victory that never looked in doubt. Kgatlana, named player of the tournament, scored 7 goals in 5 matches throughout the qualifier campaign.

Coach Desiree Ellis praised her squad's "character and professionalism" and dedicated the qualification to the millions of young girls across South Africa who "dare to dream of playing for their country."

Building on 2023 Success

The qualification builds on South Africa's historic 2023 Women's World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand, where Banyana reached the Round of 16 for the first time. Ellis said the team were targeting a quarterfinal in Brazil.

Investment in the Programme

SAFA President Danny Jordaan announced that the national women's programme would receive a 40% budget increase in preparation for the 2027 tournament, including the appointment of two full-time analysts and a high-performance nutritionist.