Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis has announced the 23 players who will represent South Africa at this year's Africa Women Cup of Nations.
14 players from the Hollywoodbets Super League are set to star at this year’s Africa Women Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco from the 2nd of July this year.
On Monday Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis announced a squad of 23 players for the 14th edition of this competition.
Ellis had called up 33 players for the selection and preparation camp, but the squad has now been cut down to 23 players confirmed at a press conference at SAFA House on Monday. Banyana, who were runners-up in the 2018 edition, begin their campaign against current holders and Group C opponents Nigeria on Monday, 4 July at the Stade Moulay Hassan FUS.
Speaking on expectations for the team, SAFA president Danny Jordaan said they expect nothing less than what Banyana managed to achieve in 2018.
“They’ve made it to the final of the AWCON before, they’ve been to the World Cup. Four teams from this AWCON will go to the 2023 World Cup. We want them to be in the semifinals and therefore qualify for next year’s World Cup. Underpinning that World Cup, we want to host the 2027 World, so it’s important that they are there in 2023.” he said.
Jordaan views this year’s AWCON as a great stepping stone to kick start their preparations to build a team that will contest the World Cup in 2027, and not just make up numbers.
“When we started, we had just over 50 000 female players, we now have 429 000. We want 1 million female players by 2026. So by 2027 when you make a serious attempt to be in the final stages of the World Cup, it must be on the basis of having a bigger pool of female players,” he said.
Banyana has featured in five finals since the competition began in 1991 but are yet to with the AWCON, while Nigeria has won it 11 times and are favorites to win it this year with players like Asisat Oshoala, who banged in 20 goals for Barcelona last season.
Banyana has international stars of its own though with players like Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane making the final cut of the squad. Coach Ellis has mixed her selection with strong experienced players abroad and playing in the local league.
Banyana Banyana squad for 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk), Janine Van Wyk (JVW), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongeka Gamede (UWC), Noko Matlou (Eibar)
Midfielders: Refiloe Jane (AC Milan), Nomvula Kgoale (Parquesdesol), Linda Motlhalo (Djugardens), Thalea Smidt (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khosona Biyela (Sporting Gijon), Amogelang Motau (UWC), Robin Moodaly (JVW), Sibulele Holweni (UWC)
Forwards: Jermaine Seopasenwe (Braga), Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns), Xoxola Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies), Thembi Kgatlana (Atletico Madrid), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto)
Standby players: Kebotseng Moletsane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Thubelihle Shamse
