Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, has taken a bold stance by dropping some of her regular players as she announced a squad of 23 players that will face 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia.
The historic clash against The Matildas in London on October 8 comes on the back of a dismal showing by South Africa who lost two games to their counterparts from Brazil – 3-0 and 6-0, which led to Ellis ringing the changes.
Left out of the squad is captain Janine van Wyk, who recently moved to Greece, Belarus-based defender Lebogang Ramalepe and goalkeeper Kaylin Swart of JVW FC.
Also not called up were Nomvula Kgoale and Kholosa Biyana who have not kicked a ball since the WAFCON in July as they are still clubless, while Noko Matlou and Noxolo Cesane have been left out due to visa challenges.
The livewire Cesane has just signed her first professional contract for Stade Reims in the French league.
Gabriela Salgado makes her first appearance in the squad after she was injured shortly before the WAFCON, while Sibulele Holweni has also been recalled – she suffered an injury during the tournament in Morocco.
“We want to give other players an opportunity to show what they can do and the door is not closed to any player. Those who did not make this squad can still work their way back into contention in the months before the World Cup,” said Ellis on www.safa.net.
“I have already said to the players that the fact that you went to WAFCON does not mean you are going to the World Cup – that tournament is a different game and everybody has got to raise their hand. There are a lot of players that have shown form and we need to take a look at them as well to give them an opportunity to test themselves at the highest level.”
Ellis’ new-look and youthful squad includes, among others, the Banyana Banyana quartet that won silver at the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Champions that took place in Gqeberha earlier this month – Thato Letsoso, Fikile Magama, Cimone Sauls and Dineo Magagula.
The bulk of the team is made up of players from the Hollywoodbets Super League, with only four based overseas – Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hilda Magaia.
UWC has the highest number of players (6), followed by Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (5).
The fixture is part of Banyana Banyana’s preparations for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors Sasol, Nozipho Mbatha said they are fully behind the team.
“As SASOL, we remain resolute in our unwavering support to the girls as they continue to Live The Impossible post the successful WAFCON 2022. We would like to congratulate all the selected players who will be representing South Africa in this international friendly match in London. We are fully behind the team as they pit themselves against the world’s best as a litmus test of the challenges ahead in preparation fo the World Cup,” said Mbatha, the Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship.
“We continue to enable and demonstrate our support to develop women’s football in South Africa. Our resounding proof points are anchored in our development from the Sasol League to our internationally-acclaimed starlets such as Noxolo Cesane and Refiloe Jane who play in France and Italy respectively. Those are doors that we would like to open for our football girls. And so, to coach Des and the technical team, your dedication and arduous work has inspired the nation and demonstrated that teamwork and commitment makes dreams come true. We wish you and the team all the best of luck against the Matildas.”
Banyana Banyana assemble for camp on Monday, 3 October in Johannesburg and depart for London the next day (Tuesday, 4 October).
BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD TO FACE AUSTRALIA IN LONDON
| NAME | POSITION | CLUB |
| GOALKEEPERS: | ||
| 1. Andile DLAMINI | Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies | |
| 2. Regirl NGOBENI | University of the Western Cape (UWC) | |
| 3. Dineo MAGAGULA | University of Johannesburg (UJ) | |
| DEFENDERS: | ||
| 4. Thato LETSOSO | Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | |
| 5. Fikile MAGAMA | University of the Western Cape (UWC) | |
| 6. Tiisetso MAKHUBELA | Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies | |
| 7. Lonathemba MHLONGO | University of the Western Cape (UWC) | |
| 8. Cynthia MAKETE | Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies | |
| 9. Bambanani MBANE | Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies | |
| 10. Bongeka GAMEDE | University of the Western Cape (UWC) | |
| MIDFIELDERS: | ||
| 11. Cimone SAULS | JVW | |
| 12. Refiloe JANE | Sassuolo FC (ITALY) | |
| 13.Sibulele HOLWENI | University of the Western Cape (UWC) | |
| 14. Linda MOTLHALO | Djurgardens IF (SWEDEN) | |
| 15. Thalea SMIDT | Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies | |
| 16. Robyn MOODALY | JVW | |
| 17. Amogelang MOTAU | University of the Western Cape (UWC) | |
| FORWARDS: | ||
| 18. Thubelihle SHAMASE | University of Johannesburg (UJ) | |
| 19. Gabriela SALGADO | JVW | |
| 20. Jermaine SEOPOSENWE | FC Juárez (MEXICO) | |
| 21. Melinda KGADIETE | Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies | |
| 22. Hildah MAGAIA | Sejong Sportstoto (SOUTH KOREA) | |
| 23. Nthabiseng MAJIYA | Richmond United |
By Matlhomola Morake
