NEWS: Desiree Ellis announces Banyana Banyana squad for key Olympic qualifier against Tanzania

Head coach Desiree Ellis announced her 23-woman squad to face Tanzania in a key Paris 2024 Olympic third-round qualifier over two legs.

Having failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in 2024 Banyana Banyana are hoping for a change of fortunes in Paris 2024 a fact made very clear by coach Desiree Ellis as she named her team for the upcoming qualifier against Tanzania.

“The World Cup is obviously the ultimate, and I think the next big one is the Olympic Games because it’s a smaller tournament.

“I think that this is one competition apart from the World Cup that you want to go to and test yourself at and compete at.

“I think the players are focused on getting through this round and it gives us a chance in the last round of qualifying for the Olympics after missing out in 2020,” she said.

Asked how important the games are to her after she failed to take the team to Tokyo Ellis was quick to stress that it was not about her as manager. “It’s never ever been about me but the team goal. It’s about the team first. If an individual gets recognition, the team did well,” she said.

“So, I don’t think we have to talk about me in isolation. It’s a team goal to qualify for the Olympics, having missed out on the 2020 edition.”

Banyana will first do battle away from home at the Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam on 23 February before a return leg at the Mbombela Stadium on 27 February.

Banyana Banyana squad

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Katlego Moletsane (Royal AM)

Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Noko Matlou (SB Eibar), Fikile Magama (UWC), Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower FC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC), Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)

Midfielders: Kholosa Biyana (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Linda Motlhalo (Racing Louisville), Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy), Sphumelele Shamase (UJ), Amogelang Motau (UWC), Thalea Smidt (Tuks Ladies), Lesego Nkoane (TS Galaxy)

Forwards: Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy), Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC), Noxolo Cesane (UWC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Jermaine Seoposenwe (Monterrey), Hildah Magaia (Mazatlan FC), Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL).