Ronnel Donnelly stakes claim as next-gen leader in Banyana Banyana setup

Ronnel Donnelly, a forward for Banyana Banyana and player for Mamelodi Sundowns, scored a hat-trick in South Africa's 4-0 win against Madagascar in the first leg of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers. Her performance positions the team well for advancing to the third round, with the second leg scheduled at the same venue. Having joined the squad ahead of WAFCON 2025, Donnelly was seen as a potential successor to Jermaine Seoposenwe, though injuries and slow integration delayed her progress. Coach Desiree Ellis is committed to blending youth and experienced players for the team's future.