Head Coach the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana Desiree Elli has announced a squad of 23 players that will do duty against their USA counterparts in two friendly matches.
The African Champions will take on the former World Champions at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on 21 September, with the second clash scheduled for Soldier’s Field in Chicago three days later (24 September).
“We know when we play against the better-ranked countries we have to get positive results to increase our ranking. Every team goes through a transitional period but with them playing at home after the World Cup, they will want to put up a performance to cheer their fans up, and I expect our players to put up a similar performance to get a result,” said Ellis.
After South Africa’s magnificent performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last month, Ellis has kept the bulk of the team from the tournament, making only two injury-forced changes for the USA trip.
She has included two players – Lonathemba Mhlongo from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) as well as US-based Sinoxolo Cesane, who runs out for Eastern Tennessee State University (ETSU).
The duo take the place of the injured captain and midfielder Refiloe Jane and defender Bambanani Mbane.
Both suffered the injuries at the World Cup.
Mhlongo was part of the Preliminary Banyana Banyana squad before the World Cup, but did not make the final cut.
She also travelled to the USA in 2019 in Chicago with the squad.
This is the first call up for Cesane in the South African Senior Women’s National Team, after being capped at U17 and U20 level along with her twin sister Noxolo Cesane, who has become a regular feature in the Banyana Banyana squad.
The pair was part of the 2014 Sasol League-winning team with Cape Town Roses.
“It’ll be the first time the Cesane sisters are in the senior national team together. We’ve had the set of twins together at Banyana because the Shamase [Thubelihle and Sphumelele] twins were always here at different times,” added Ellis.
“Sinoxolo is an attacking midfielder, there is Linda in that position and there aren’t many in that position. So, we are always looking at getting depth. I’ve had conversations with her on how we might use her.”
Sinoxolo, along with the other overseas-based players, Jermaine Seoposenwe (Mexico), Hilda Magaia (South Korea), Thembi Kgatlana (USA), Linda Motlhalo (Scotland) and Noko Matlou (Spain) will meet up with the rest of the squad in the US.
“This group of Banyana Banyana players is very grounded and they have shown that they can step up at any time. They have shown that they have the mentality, and I think you do not need any motivation when you are playing against the USA and this is another opportunity to test themselves. This is also a chance to show that what we did at the World Cup was not a fluke,” said Ellis.
The match is also part of farewell celebrations for the long-serving American women’s football icon, Megan Rapinoe.
The Old Reign forward in the NWSL will miss the first fixture in Cincinnati but will feature in the Chicago clash, her final appearance in a USA national team jersey.
Rapinoe has been capped 202 times for the Stars and Stripes.
This will be the third meeting between the two nations with the USA winning the first two encounters 1-0 (9 July 2016) and 3-0 (12 May 2019).
Both countries have just participated in the World Cup where they were knocked off in the Round of 16.
The USA has only played two African teams in their history – South Africa and Nigeria.
“Congratulations to all the players who received the nod from the technical team and were called up by the coach for this assignment. Being entrusted with such a responsibility to represent South Africa after Banyana Banyana’s sterling performance in Australia and New Zealand, will bolster each player’s commitment to continue on the trajectory of high performance, inspiring those that follow in their footsteps to dream big, knowing nothing is impossible that which they put their mind to. Banyana Banyana has proven to all of us that consistent handwork contributes towards success. On behalf of Sasol, we wish them all the best,” said Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship.
The African Champions have improved on their FIFA Women’s ranking, climbing nine places up from 54 to 45 – their highest position ever.
They remain second on the continent behind Nigeria.
By Matlhomola Morake
