Moodaly Salgado Sends Strong WAFCON Message Ahead of Banyana Opener
As Banyana Banyana prepare to begin their quest to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, returning midfielder Robyn Moodaly-Salgado has made one thing clear: there will be no room for complacency in Morocco.
The 2022 African champions kick off their WAFCON campaign on Monday against Tanzania, with Moodaly-Salgado eager to make the most of her long-awaited return to the national team after nearly three years away from international football.
Moodaly-Salgado is one of nine players brought into the squad for the 2026 edition of the continental showpiece, joining 17 players who were part of South Africa’s previous WAFCON campaign.
The midfielder last represented Banyana Banyana in 2023 before announcing a hiatus from international football later that year to prioritise her mental health while continuing to play for JVW FC in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis recently welcomed Moodaly-Salgado back into the squad, expressing delight that the experienced midfielder now feels mentally ready to return to international duty.
Speaking to the SAFA Media Team, Moodaly-Salgado described her return as a special moment.
“Obviously I haven’t been back for a while, so I’m really excited to be back wearing the national team colours. It’s super exciting being back, feeling welcomed again, playing with my old teammates and just being back in the Banyana setup. I’m really looking forward to it.”
As Banyana Banyana prepare to begin their Group B campaign, Moodaly-Salgado insists every opponent deserves respect despite South Africa’s pedigree on the continental stage.
“We can’t take any team lightly. We’re doing our homework, preparing for each team and taking it one game at a time. It’s very important that we top the group because that will put us in a strong position going forward.”
Moodaly Salgado Sends Strong WAFCON Message Ahead of Banyana Opener (Graphic: SizaNazo365 | Screenshot SAFA (X))
South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
Their opening fixture is against Tanzania on Monday at the Stade Moulay Rachid, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 SAST.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from 26 July to 16 August in Morocco, carries added significance beyond the continental title.
The tournament will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four finishers securing qualification for the global showpiece.
This year’s competition will also make history as the first WAFCON to feature 16 teams, an expansion from the previous 12-team format. The 34-match tournament will be staged across five venues in Rabat and Casablanca.
For Banyana Banyana, the mission is twofold: reclaim the WAFCON title and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
With experienced players returning, a settled core from the title-winning squad, and World Cup qualification on the line, Ellis’ side will be aiming to begin their campaign on a winning note when they take on Tanzania on Monday.