The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana has safely arrived in DR Congo to face the host nation in a crucial 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier scheduled for Wednesday, 25 October 2023 at the Stade des Martyrs.
Kickoff is at 16h30 South African time.
The African Champions have been dealt a blow with news that midfielder Nomvula Kgoale of TS Galaxy Queens and defender Tiisetso Makhubela were not part of the travelling squad due to injuries.
Makhubela was stretchered off in the 21st minute of their Hollywoodbets Super League clash against the title-chasing University of the Western Cape (UWC) on Sunday (22 October), while Kgoale was not named in the match day squad when her side took on Durban Ladies over the weekend.
Prior to these withdrawals, South Africa was already without the services of Sibulele Holweni, captain Refiloe Jane and Bambanani Mbane (all injured) as well as Spain-based Noko Matlou who is sorting out her residence permit, and could therefore not travel outside the European country.
The reliable Bongeka Gamede was also left out due to exams, along with the USA-based Sinoxolo Cesane.
To compound matters, Samkelisiwe Selana and the influential Jermaine Seoposenwe will only be available for the second leg at Orlando Stadium on Monday, 30 October.
Scotland-based midfielder, Linda Motlhalo and Faith Nokuthula, who plies her trade at Blackburn Rovers in England, were yet to report for national team duty – both were expected to fly directly to Kinshasa.
Following the withdrawals, Head Coach Desiree Ellis will have a new look defence – with four of the members of South Africa’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad not in DR Congo – Mbane, Gamede, Matlou and Lebohang Ramalepe who was not called up for this fixture – only Fikile Magama and Karabo Dhlamini remain in the rear-guard from the team that travelled to Australia and New Zealand.
Given the circumstances, the Banyana Banyana technical team may be tempted to call upon long-serving Janine van Wyk, who was expected to play a cameo role in the two Olympic qualifiers after she announced her retired from international football.
The defender posted an emotional video soon after she arrived at the Banyana Banyana camp – her last.
“Just arrived here in camp with Banyana Banyana where we will be departing to DR Congo later this evening and play them on Wednesday in an Olympic qualifier and then the Monday thereafter will be my very last match, I will feature for the national team one last time. I am feeling a bit of a mixed emotions at the moment knowing that my 18-year career with the national team has come to an end but also excited to see what the future holds for me. I’m very excited to have these couple of days to spend with my teammates and coaches and to fulfill some of the memories that I’ve had along the way in this journey with all of them, so looking forward to this one,” said Van Wyk on the video.
The goalkeeping department still looks intact with Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart and Kebotseng Moletsane all in the team, while Motlhalo and Kholosa Biyana are the only returnees in the middle of the park from the World Cup squad.
The strike force still looks lethal with all the personnel available bar Seoposenwe, while Nicole Michael has been added to the mix.
The DR Congo clash is Banyana Banyana’s first big assignment since the World Cup. Last month they travelled to the USA for two friendly matches, which they lost.
By Matlhomola Morake
