The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will go into their training camp on Saturday, 16 September to start preparations for the upcoming international friendly matches against former World Champions USA.
The two nations will cross swords on 21 September at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati and three days later (24 September) at Soldier Field in Chicago in the US.
These will be the first matches for both countries since they last saw action at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand last month – they were knocked out in the Round of 16.
Ranked third and 45th in the world respectively, the USA and Banyana Banyana have announced their squads for the matches friendly internationals.
The Americans have named legend Megan Rapinoe, who will be playing her final international when she runs out in Chicago.
On their part, and for the first time ever, South Africa will have a set of twins in their set-up, following the inclusion of USA-based Sinoxolo Cesane, whose sister Noxolo has been with African Champions since 2019.
It will also be the first time in three years that they are on the field together – should coach Desiree Ellis and her technical team decide so.
They last played together while both were in the colours of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in 2020 before Sinoxolo took up a scholarship to study in the USA, where she plays college football for Eastern Tennessee State University, also known as the Buccaneers.
Born in Gugulethu, Cape Town, 23 years ago – the duo has always been inseparable – especially when it came to the game of billions, which they started when they were only ten years old in their home town.
They were spotted by Xolile Madikane, then a teacher at Fezeka High School, while they were in the colours of Bonga Primary School, before moving to Lwandle Primary School.
He immediately had a liking for them and brought them to the Sasol League to play for Cape Town Roses where Madikane was the coach – and by age 12 they were playing for the senior team.
Two years later, they were the talk of the town as they helped the Cape Town club to a treble – the Western Cape Sasol League, the Coke Cup and the National League Play-offs in 2014.
The pair would go on to represent South Africa at U17 level when they were 15 years old and the U20 women’s national team at 16, becoming the youngest players in the latter squad.
The twins were both signed by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and that is where they parted ways.
“The last time we played together was in 2020 at UWC before I moved to the USA on a scholarship, and I can’t wait for us to re-unite on the pitch,” said Sinoxolo from her base in the USA.
She plays her club football for Chattanooga Lady Wolves of the American USL W League.
“They are all so happy for me and have wished me luck, saying they are proud of me and that I must make good use of the opportunity,” said Sinoxolo of her teammates.
But how did they find out? Did you tell them?
“Actually no, it’s the other way round. They are the ones that informed me. Due to the time difference (-7), when the squad announcement was made in South Africa at 12 midday it was still 05h00 in Tennessee and I was asleep. So I woke up to a flood of congratulatory messages – one after the other – and a friend of mine calling me, but somehow I still didn’t believe and I switched off my phone and went back to sleep,” said Sinoxolo.
“It was only later when I actually saw the Banyana Banyana squad list and I was very excited. I went to the field for a jog just to deal with the emotions of being overwhelmed. This call up is just amazing, and gives me a feeling I cannot explain.”
Since she is based in the USA, she will meet up with the rest of the Banyana Banyana players in Cincinnati – a three-hour flight from where she stays.
Sinoxolo will rekindle with former U17 and U20 teammates, among others, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Sibulele Holweni and Fikile Magama, who are in the current Banyana Banyana squad.
“To be honest I didn’t expect the call-up, I really didn’t see it coming and not because I don’t trust myself, but mainly because South Africa has a lot of talent in abundance, especially in the position that I play. So I just can’t wait to meet them all, and given a chance I will do the best I can and try as much as possible to contribute to the team,” added the midfielder.
“For me the biggest thing is sharing the stage with some of the best players and legends in the game of women’s football – both in the USA squad and the South African team. It will just be great to be in that mix. I am really honoured and very exciting but nervous at the same as my dream of representing my country at the highest level is now becoming a reality. My gratitude goes to everyone who has been supporting me and urging me not to give up on the dream.”
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis had earlier said it was important to have a closer look at the the player.
“Sinoxolo Cesane is an attacking midfielder, Linda (Motlhalo) is there too, and there are not many in that position, so we always looking at getting depth. We have watched her (Sinoxolo) and had conversations with her about how it is we are going to play and how we might use her, but obviously it all boils down to training, how they perform so we can be able to give them an opportunity,” said Ellis.
“We have had twins before – the Shamase twins (S’phumelele and Thubelihle) but not playing together in the same team and this will most probably the first time we have a set of twins in the Senior Women’s National Team. They played together at youth level (U17 and U20), the same with the Shamase twins.”
Her last appearance in a national team jersey was in May 2019 in a four nations U-19 International Tournament hosted by China, and featured Thailand as well Korea DPR in Xiamen City, Fujian, China.
“Donning the national team jersey again, especially at the senior level, will really mean a lot. It will be more like a dream, I am even at a loss for words to express what I feel. Playing for your country is always big and something one cannot take for granted, so I am looking forward to joining up the other players,” concluded Sinoxolo.
Along with the other overseas-based players, she will meet up with Banyana Banyana in Cincinnati early next week.
- Thembi Kgatlana (USA) who is expected to captain the team in the absence of the injured Refiloe Jane;
- Hilda Magaia – South Korea
- Noko Matlou – Spain
- Linda Motlhalo – Scotland
- Jermaine Seoposenwe – Mexico
By Matlhomola Morake
