Gabriela Mudali-Salgado is targeting a return to form at the Wafcon tournament, as previous competitions were overshadowed by injuries. She hopes that a third chance will help the team achieve its goals if she is included in Coach Dezire Ellis' final squad for the upcoming continental tournament this month.
Mudali-Salgado is a versatile player capable of playing either as a wing-back or as number 9, making her a valuable asset for the coach. Several years ago, Coach Ellis likely felt fortunate when the player joined the national team.
However, tragedy struck before the 2022 tournament: an injury forced her to miss the competition. Nevertheless, her teammates from Banyana Banyana proudly represented the country and won their first African title. Despite a heavy bandage on her leg during recovery, ecstatic Mudali-Salgado joined the team at the return celebration at OR Tambo International Airport.
She recovered in time to participate in the second World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, where South Africa made history by qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in two consecutive tournament appearances.
Fully healthy and ready to help the team defend the continental title, Mudali-Salgado returned with Banyana to Wafcon last year. However, in a grueling semi-final match against Nigeria, she sustained a serious, career-threatening injury. Her forced substitution late in the game disrupted Banyana's concentration, and they ultimately lost the match.
Fortunately, she remained part of the national team for some time and is ready to represent the country again in a major tournament if called upon. Mudali-Salgado stated: 'Injuries are part of the game. I have been back with the team for quite some time, so the injury is not on my mind. I am just working hard to be in top shape.'
In 16 days, a story will begin where 16 nations will fight for African glory. Mudali-Salgado's place in the final squad of 26 is not yet guaranteed. The final squad will be announced by Ellis at the headquarters of the main sponsor, Sasol, in Sandton on Friday afternoon.
If she makes the squad, Mudali-Salgado will be ready for the call-up, as she has worked hard over the past months to change her Wafcon narrative. She noted: 'It took a lot of time and hard work to get back into the fight on such a big stage. I am just grateful to my teammates and staff who helped me get into good shape.'
The team must be in perfect condition—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually—for the continental tournament, which also serves as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Only the four semi-finalists of Wafcon will qualify for South America next year.
After a difficult conclusion to the last tournament, Mudali-Salgado believes the team understands the seriousness of the task. She emphasized: 'Everyone knows what is at stake. We are all working towards one goal: first and foremost, we want to make it to the World Cup. And then we will work to win the tournament again. We know the scale of this tournament, and we are going there to make the country proud.'
South Africa's victory at Wafcon in 2022 transformed the country's women's football. It led to huge fan support, secured lucrative local and international contracts for players, and strengthened Banyana's status as a continental powerhouse. Mudali-Salgado recalled: 'Becoming African champions is incredible. We saw what it did for the nation. We want to bring back that belief and inspire the next generation who might have missed this moment, like me.'
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