Banyana Banyana will begin their campaign to reach the 2028 Olympics with a two-legged second-round tie against Madagascar, as they seek a return to the Games for the first time since 2016.
South Africa missed the last two editions of the Olympics, but must overcome Madagascar across two matches to progress through the African qualifying competition.
The first leg will be played at Free State Stadium on Friday, with the return fixture taking place at the same venue next Tuesday. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 6pm.
Madagascar, known as the Islanders, are ranked 191st in the world, 134 places below Banyana Banyana. Their home match cannot be staged in Madagascar because the country does not have a field approved by CAF, meaning the second leg will also be hosted at Free State Stadium.
Thirty countries are involved in the second round of the CAF qualifiers for the Los Angeles Olympics. The remaining 16 nations will meet in the third round, which is scheduled for February/March next year.
The fourth round is due to take place in October next year, with the final phase following a month later. Only two African teams will qualify for the Olympics, which are scheduled to run in Los Angeles from July 11–29, 2028.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has retained most of the squad that represented South Africa at the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco.
Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Asanda Hadebe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Siyabulela Holweni and Lebogang Ramalepe are the six players left out of the squad for the Madagascar tie.
Bonolo Mokoma, Cimone Sauls and Sinegugu Zondi have been recalled after missing the Wafcon squad. Siyamthanda Qashani, who plays for the University of Pretoria, is the only uncapped newcomer included for the two matches.
South Africa have appeared at the Olympics twice. Their first participation came at London 2012, followed by their most recent appearance at Rio de Janeiro 2016.
Banyana Banyana were eliminated in the group stage on both occasions. Their latest qualification effort therefore offers the team the chance to return to the tournament after missing the previous two editions and to secure only a third Olympic appearance.
