Kaylin Swart (JVW) and Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies) have been roped in into the Banyana Banyana training camp following injuries to Mbali Ntimeni and Asa Rabalao – both from Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
The experienced South African duo were left out of the initial squad of eight as head coach Desiree Ellis wanted to try out other goal minders, but things turned out differently. Also joining Swart and Dlamini is Kgomotso Mussimango from TS Galaxy Queens who takes the place of the injured Jessica Williams from Sasol League side Badgers FC in Cape Town.
Williams has just returned from a training camp in England with Bristol City but got injured just a day before the start of the goalkeepers’ training camp.
Other shot stoppers currently in camp include Casey Gordon (JVW), Matshidiso Masebe (UJ Ladies), Katlego Moletsane, Siphesihle Dhlamini (both UWC) as well as Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy Queens). They are under the watchful of long serving Banyana Banyana goalkeeper coach Cameron Cox.
“This camp offers invaluable exposure for youth keepers, allowing them to train alongside some of the country’s top players. The focus is on skill development and team cohesion, with the aim of elevating the goalkeeping department across all age groups,” said SAFA.net in a statement.
“Participants include goalkeepers from Hollywoodbets Super League teams, the U17 and U20 women’s national teams and, of course, the South African senior women’s national team, with the U17 keepers joining in for advanced training ahead of their upcoming camp. This collaborative environment provides a unique opportunity for the youth players to learn from experienced goalkeepers, furthering their development in a professional setting.”
The number will be reduced to four goalkeepers on Monday (17 February) when the full-on Banyana Banyana training camp starts, this is preparation for the upcoming two international friendly matches against Lesotho.
“This training camp marks an exciting step in the development of women’s football in South Africa and plays a key role in shaping the future of our women’s national teams,” said the statement.
The South African youthful team and Mehalalitoe of Lesotho will face on 22 and 25 February at the UJ Soweto Campus.
The games are part of continuing preparations for the African Champions’ WAFCON title defence, with the tournament scheduled for July this year in Morocco.
The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Mali and Tanzania.
UPDATED BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD FOR TRAINING CAMP:
| GOALKEEPERS: | CLUB |
| 1. Kgomotso MUSSIMANGO | TS Galaxy Queens |
| 2. Casey GORDON | JVW FC |
| 3. Andile DLAMINI | Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies |
| 4. Kaylin SWART | JVW FC |
| 5. Matshidiso MASEBE | University of Johannesburg |
| 6. Katlego MOLETSANE | The University of the Western Cape |
| 7. Siphesihle DLAMINI | The University of the Western Cape |
| 8. Dineo MAGAGULA | TS Galaxy |
| DEFENDERS: | |
| 9. Ntando PHAHLA | University of Pretoria |
| 10. Portia MASILELA | University of Johannesburg |
| 11. Bonolo MOKOMA | JVW FC |
| 12. Yomelela Jacobs | TS Galaxy Queens |
| 13. Sikelelwa MHLANGA | City Lads Ladies |
| 14. Unathi SIMAYILE | The University of the Western Cape |
| 15. Yolanda NDULI | University of Johannesburg |
| MIDFIELDERS: | |
| 16. Okuhle SITHOLE | Durban Ladies |
| 17. Mmabatho MOGALE | The University of the Western Cape |
| 18. Nondumiso MANENGELA | The University of the Western Cape |
| 19. Isabella LUDWIG | (Club unnamed – yet to announce) |
| 20. Katlego MALEBANA | Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies |
| 21. Sibongile NTOANE | TUT-Matsatsantsa Ladies |
| 22. Thato MOFOLO | University of Johannesburg |
| 23. Kesha HENDRICKS | University of Fort Hare |
| 24. Adrielle MIBE | University of Johannesburg |
| FORWARDS: | |
| 25. Katleho MOHALE | JVW FC |
| 26. Khwezi KHOZA | Durban Ladies |
| 27. Tshegofatso MOTLOGELWA | TUT-Matsatsantsa Ladies |
| 28. Mavis MAIACANE | Super Strikers FC (Sasol League) |
| 29. Nobahle MDELWA | University of Johannesburg |
| 30. Tanna HOLLIS | JVW FC |
By Matlhomola Morake
