The head coach of the Banyana Banyana national team, Disari Ellis, welcomed the return of Robin Mudali-Salgado to the squad. She expressed satisfaction that the midfielder has reached a state where she feels psychologically ready to return to international matches.
Mudali-Salgado was spotted at a Banyana open training session at the AW Muller stadium on Wednesday afternoon. Her appearance came after she was included in the preliminary list of 31 players for the upcoming Wafcon tournament later this month.
The midfielder returned to the national team after announcing a temporary break from international play at the end of 2023. At that time, she decided to take a pause to focus on her mental health while continuing to play for her club JVW Ladies in the Hollywoodbets Super League championship.
Ellis commented on her return, stating: 'I do not want to go into detail about it. I do not want to talk about one specific player, but I am happy that she is back.' She clarified that, as far as she knows, the player did not retire but simply stepped away from international football to focus on her mental well-being.
The Safa national team is paying more attention to mental health, especially following the tragic death of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams, who reportedly died by suicide due to depression. To raise awareness about mental health, Safa hired a mental coach for Banyana before the tournament—a move that Ellis greatly appreciated.
Ellis reported that there is a coach in the camp assisting with psychological aspects and added that she herself benefits from the support of a personal coach. She emphasized that football is not an easy sport, and the team ensures everyone feels well. 'We are dealing not only with footballers but first and foremost with people. I think people forget that before we became athletes, we were human beings. We have the same problems as everyone else.'
It will be decided whether Mudali-Salgado will be included in the final squad when Ellis announces the 26-player roster that will represent Banyana at the Wafcon finals in Morocco.
The South African national team (Bafana Bafana) achieved the best result in the country's history at the World Cup, and captain Ronвен Williams returned home to a warm reception in Gelvanderby.
On Monday in Gelvanderby, a northern suburb of Gqeberha, a celebration took place where the district favorite was given a heroic welcome. Williams, a goalkeeper who grew up in the area, was met with great enthusiasm.
Present at the event were Sibulele Ngongo, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for the Eastern Cape, and Bassi Kamana, the political head for economic development, tourism and agriculture of the Nelson Mandela Bay region. The city mayor conveyed greetings, calling the event a source of pride for Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape.
Ronald Boggenpoel, the director of Gelvanderby Primary School, noted that Williams has inspired the youth. He welcomed the national captain and one of South Africa's greatest football heroes, stating that his story proves that there are no dreams too big, and that greatness can arise from humble beginnings.
Bassi Kamana emphasized that Williams is a son of this land, a son of Gelvanderby, South Africa, and the African continent. He noted that in Nelson Mandela Bay they watched a local resident become the captain of Bafana Bafana and one of the world's best goalkeepers.
Sibulele Ngongo thanked Williams' parents and family for raising a leader whose influence extends beyond the football pitch. She stated that Ronвен is a leader who does not need elections because his actions, character, and dedication inspire those around him both on and off the field. Ngongo also noted that Williams' success gained additional meaning through his work with the Ronвен 30 Foundation, which creates opportunities for young people.
Williams, aged 34, captained Bafana Bafana at the 2026 World Cup in North America, where the team reached the playoffs for the first time in the country's history. In the first match against co-hosts Mexico, the team lost 2-0, then drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic, and won against South Korea 1-0 to advance from Group A.
Their journey ended in the Round of 32 when Stephen Eustachio from Canada scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute in Los Angeles on June 28. During the match, Williams set two records: his clean sheet against South Korea made him the second South African goalkeeper to stop an opponent in the World Cup after Andre Arande in 2002, and he completed 77 passes against Canada, the highest number for a goalkeeper in a single World Cup match.
After the defeat, Williams stated that the team can hold its head high. He expressed pride in the players, noting their quality, effort, fight, and character. Despite the poor start to the tournament, he stressed that the team can be proud of having competed and shown its worth. He added that for such a young team, it is valuable experience for the future.
