Banyana Banyana assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli says if they have any intentions of going to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027, the upcoming reverse fixture of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo is the one to win.
Mbuli led the South African Senior Women’s National team to a 1-all draw against their Central African counterparts in the first leg in Kinshasa last week (Wednesday, 22 October 2025).
The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana and the visiting DR Congo renew hostilities on Tuesday (28 October) at the Dobsonville Stadium.
“If we are ambitious about going to the 2027 Brazil FIFA Women’s World Cup, we must win this one because then next year we can go to Morocco and play to qualify for the World Cup. So, it is not just the 90 minutes to go to the WAFCON, it’s a very important match because if we want to go to the World Cup, we must win this one then we can start talking about the World Cup,” said Mbuli.
She is in charge while head coach Desiree Ellis is locked in contract negotiations with the South African Football Association (SAFA).
“Coach Desiree is obviously the leader of the team, she came to see us before we went to the DR Congo, and she has been in contact with us. I got a text from her to say she is still with us and we discussed training, we discuss everything. She is still very much part of this group, very much an important part of this team,” added Mbuli.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) mentor in the Hollywoodbets Super League is super excited that she will have the full complement of her team when they face the Congolese.
In the first leg, South Africa was without the Mexico-based quartet of Hilda Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Sinoxolo Cesane and Amogelang Magaia – and Banyana Banyana was still able to return home with a point.
Mbuli says that things will be different this time around.
“I think the key to note is that all the players based in Mexico are offensive players – Hilda, Thembi, Amo and Sinoxolo – so it should give us more options in terms of our attacking approach, so we are happy to have them in camp, happy that they will have training sessions with us, but more than anything it should help us in terms of our options going forward, in terms of our offensive play,” added Mbuli.
Regarding the opposition, Mbuli says they cannot be taken lightly as they showed in the first leg that they can dangerous if left unchecked.
She has also called on the supporters to come in numbers to rally behind Banyana Banyana.
“Their three attacking players are very aggressive, have speed, when they go forward, they bump everything up, but I don’t see them changing how they approach the game because they had everyone in, unlike us – maybe we will have a few tactical changes because of the players that we have now,” said Mbuli.
“But we expect a tough match, it’s 1-1, and if they can get an away goal maybe they’ll feel like they have a chance to qualify. What helped them (in Kinshasa) was their crowd – so maybe what might work for us here at home is having everyone (the players) in and then maybe the support from our supporters.”
Kickoff between Banyana Banyana and the DR Congo is at 7pm.
The overall winner will advance to the 2026 WAFCON scheduled for Morocco in March next year, with the top four in that tournament qualifying for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
By Matlhomola Morake
