Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, has announced the squad to face the Copa America champions, Brazil, as their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup get underway.
Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, has announced the squad to face the Copa America champions, Brazi, as their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup get underway.
There’s a notable absentee in Thembi Kgatlana, who suffered a long-term injury during Banyana Banyana’s run in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. With the Women’s World Cup kicking off in just under 12 months, Ellis has expressed joy at facing quality opposition like Brazil, who were runners-up in the 2007 tournament but have never won it in their history.
“The preparations (for the World Cup) have started very well. We are very grateful to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol for getting us such quality opposition. You always want to test yourself against better opposition. We could not have asked for a better team,” said the Banyana coach.
“There is a rich history between South Africa and Brazil. We played against them before in Rio, and Bafana Bafana has played against them before.”
While the side is dominated by players who were part of the WAFCON winning squad, Ellis has given the nod to young stars such as Asanda Hadede, Lonathemba Mhlongo, and Thubelihle Shamase.
The team is set to face Brazil at Orlando Stadium on Friday 2 September 2022 at 6PM, before clashing again three days later.
Banyana Banyana Squad:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini (Oakland University), Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower WFC), Janine van Wyk (JVW), Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk), Bambanani Mbane (Sundowns), Bongeka Gumede (UWC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC)
Midfielders: Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo), Nomvula Kgaola (Unattached), Linda Motlhalo (Djurgadens), Thalea Smidt (Sundowns), Robyn Moodaly (JVW), Kholosa Biyana (Unattached), Amogelang Motau (UWC), Thubelihle Shamase (UJ)
Forwards: Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez), Melinda Kgadiete (Sundowns), Noxolo Cesane (UWC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto)
