Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named a squad of 23 players to face Senegal in two away friendly international matches on 31 May and 4 June 2024.
Ellis has made several changes to the team that faced Nigeria last month in the Paris Olympic Games qualifiers.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who missed the clash with the Super Falcons, has again been left out. Also not called up for this fixture are Spain-based defender Noko Matlou, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Thembi Kgatlana (both ply their trade in Mexico), captain Refiloe Jane (Italy) as well as Regirl Ngobeni (UWC), Gabriela Salgado (JVW) and Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy Queens).
Making their return are goalkeeper Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy Queens), defender Asanda Hadebe (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), midfielder Mmabatho Mogale (JVW) and forwards Thubelihle Shamase (FC Gintra – Lithuania) and Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy Queens).
It remains to be seen who will wear the captain’s armband in the absence of Jane and Kgatlana.
After missing out on the Olympic Games scheduled for July/August this year, Banyana Banyana will be using the two matches as part of preparations for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with the tournament dates still to be announced.
The last time South Africa faced Senegal was back in 2012 in the WAFCON group stages in Equatorial Guinea, and the African Champions won 1-0 through an Andisiwe Mgcoyi goal.
Banyana Banyana have already played four games in 2024 – they beat Burkina Faso 2-0 and 3-0 in the WAFCON qualifiers before going down 1-0 and sharing the spoils in a goalless draw with Nigeria.
The squad is expected to assemble on Monday, May 27 in Johannesburg.
By Matlhomola Morake
