Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has announced a squad of 23 players to face Brazil in two friendly matches next month.
The South Africans will take on the South Americans on Friday, 2 September at Orlando Stadium in Soweto with an 18h00 kick-off, while the second encounter will be played three days (5 September) later at a venue still be determined.
The matches are part of the team’s preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
Ellis has to make unforced changes to her squad – with Spain-based reliable defender Noko Matlou omitted due to her still sorting out her work permit in Europe, while the duo of Thembi Kgatlana and Sibulele Holweni are nursing injuries sustained during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana won.
In their place, Ellis has called up defenders Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC) and Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower – Sasol League) as well as midfielder Thubelihle Shamase (UJ).
“The preparations [for the World Cup] have started very well. We are very grateful to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and our proud sponsor SASOL for getting us such quality opposition. You always want to test yourself against better opposition. We could not have asked for a better team,” said Ellis.
“There is a rich history between South Africa and Brazil. We played against them before in Rio and Bafana Bafana have played against them before.”
The squad will assemble for camp on Sunday, 28 August 2022 in Johannesburg.
Banyana Banyana Squad to face Brazil:
Goalkeepers:
Andile Dlamini (Sundowns Ladies), Kaylin Swart (JVW), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)
Defenders:
Karabo Dhlamini (Oakland University – USA), Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower WFC – Sasol League), Janine van Wyk (JVW), Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk – Belarus), Bambanani Mbane (Sundowns Ladies), Bongeka Gumede (UWC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC)
Midfielders:
Refiloe Jane (Sassuolo – Italy), Nomvula Kgoale (Unattached), Linda Motlhalo (Djurgardens IF – Sweden), Thalea Smidt (Sundowns Ladies), Robyn Moodaly (JVW), Kholosa Biyana (Unattached), Amogelang Motau (UWC), Thubelihle Shamase (UJ)
Forwards:
Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez – Mexico), Melinda Kgadiete (Sundowns Ladies), Noxolo Cesane (UWC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond United), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto – South Korea)
By Matlhomola Morake
