The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana are on their way to Türkiye after delays to their travel following a devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria leaving thousands dead and many more missing and misplaced.
After lengthy deliberations, the South Africans will take part in the Turkish Women’s Cup that kicks off today, 15-21 February 2023.
Desiree Ellis’ charges flew out on Tuesday night (14 February 2023) with only local-based players, while the overseas-based players will meet up with their compatriots at their base camp in Alanya, Turkey.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) consulted widely before allowing Banyana Banyana to travel to Turkey. This follows the devastating earthquake that left thousands dead and many more injured or missing in Turkey and in neighbouring Syria a few days ago. World football governing body FIFA also gave the greenlight to the tournament in a letter sent to all the participants on 10 February 2023,” read a statement from SAFA.net
The local players are:
Andile Dlamini, Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Thalea Smidt, Melinda Kgadiete, Lelona Daweti (all Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Fikile Magama, Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Amogelang Motau (all UWC), Kaylin Swart, Robyn Moodaly, Gabriela Salgado (all JVW), Katlego Moletsane (Royal AM), Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower FC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond United).
Based overseas are:
Faith Nokuthula (Blackburn Rovers, England), Noko Matlou (SD Eibar, Spain), Refiloe Jane (Sassuolo, Italy) (c), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland), Noxolo Cesane (Tigres Femenil, Mexico), Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez, Mexico), Hilda Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto, South Korea).
In revised fixtures, Banyana Banyana will now play two matches – vs Uzbekistan on Saturday, 18 February, then take on Slovenia on Tuesday, 21 February, and both will take place at the Emirhan Sport Complex.
Kick-off is 19h00 (18h00 SA Time) and 15h00 (14h00 SA Time) respectively.
The 2023 Turkish Women’s Cup is the seventh edition of the competition.
Both South African and Zambia are using the tournament as part of their preparations for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 20 July – 20 August this year.
Meanwhile the Copper Queens have already settled in Türkiye as they travelled on Saturday night (11 February).
The reigning COSAFA CUP Champions play their first match this afternoon (Wednesday, 15 February) against North Macedonia. Next up will be Slovenia three days later (Saturday, 18 February) before tackling Uzbekistan on Tuesday, 21 February.
Speaking to FAZ TV after one of their training sessions in Türkiye ahead of their opening match, Zambia coach Bruce Mwape had this to say:
“We are ready for the tournament, our started our preparations three weeks ago, although there was a bit of a break. When we came back into camp we had a few local players, quite a big number which we trimmed to 13 players to allow the professionals (overseas-based players) to compete at this tournament. It will help us in terms of preparing for the World Cup, although we have come with 24 players, it does not mean it is the final selection. We will assess the players we have here and see who can actually go to the World Cup. We still have local players showing they can also be part of the squad. I am sure we will organise some more friendly games to see some of the local players that can be in the squad.”
At the FIFA Women’s World Cup, debutants Zambia are in Group C with Spain, Costa Rica and Japan, while South Africa has been drawn in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina.
By Matlhomola Morake
