Expect a slightly altered starting line-up from the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana in their second match their USA counterpart in Chicago on Sunday, 24 September 2023.
Head Coach of the African Champions, Desiree Ellis, has been saying she is going to give more players a chance to play in their next fixture against the Americans.
The South Africans lost 3-0 in the first encounter in Cincinnati on 21 September – thanks to a brace by Lynn Williams and a goal from Trinity Rodman.
In that clash, Ellis used 16 of the 21 players in the Banyana Banyana camp – only two goalkeepers Andile Dlamini and Kebotseng Moletsane, defenders Faith Nokuthula and Lonathemba Mhlongo as well as midfielder Robyn Moodaly, are yet to play.
“It is a quick turnaround for game two but we will recover in time, I hope the fans saw what we were trying to do. We also tried to give others an opportunity to test them and see what they can do and more players will get more game time in the second game,” Ellis told SAFA.net
If Ellis’ words are anything to go by, either Andile Dlamini or Kebotseng Moletsane – or both – could take the place of Kaylin Swart who kept goals in the first match.
Karabo Dhlamini limped off in Cincinnati, and may be rested with the likes of Nokuthula or Mhlongo getting a run.
Robyn Moodaly, who operates in the middle of the park, could also earn another cap.
With the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, this is perhaps the perfect time for the African Champions to check out which players have what it takes to go all the way – more so because currently four key players are out of action, Refiloe Jane, Bambanani Mbane, Sibulele Holweni (all injured) while Hilda Magaia is not available due to medical reasons, and Noko Matlou had passport challenges.
Ellis has some advice for her troops ahead of the Chicago clash.
“We did say that we must be organized defensively. The first 20 minutes is key and we were excellent. We have got to push, stay compact and concentrate in defence a little bit longer and when we get chances, we have to be a little bit more clinical in front of goals,” said Ellis.
While the focus is on the USA, the main aim is to prepare for the gruelling schedule ahead.
There are four crucial qualifiers coming up before the end of the year – two Paris 2024 Olympic Games fixtures (23 – 31 October), and two CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations matches (27 November – 6 December) as Banyana Banyana start the defence of their title in the latter assignment.
And there is also the COSAFA Women’s Championship to be hosted in South Africa from 4-15 October – although Ellis is expected to use a completely different team like it happened in 2022.
BANYANA BANYANA UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
4 – 15 October 2023:
- Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship
23 – 31 October 2023:
- Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers
27 Nov – 6 Dec 2023:
- TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024
By Matlhomola Morake
