In preparation for the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Banyana Banyana have secured two international friendly matches against Senegal.
The clashes against the West Africans are scheduled to take place on May 31 and June 4 away.
This will be the first match for the African Champions since failing to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers following their 1-nil aggregate loss to the Super Falcons of Nigeria in April.
“We have always said that we are going to utilize the FIFA dates going forward and we now have these two international friendlies against Senegal. We need to stay active to be ready and prepare for the WAFCON,” said South Africa Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis.
Fans and football lovers can expect a changed team from the one that faced Nigeria as the Banyana Banyana technical team intend giving new players a chance.
“There are players coming back from injury, and we also want to see other players during these friendlies against Senegal. We need to prepare and be ready for WAFCON. We haven’t received any communication on when it is going to happen, but we will utilize these FIFA dates to make sure that we start preparing,” added Dr Ellis.
South Africa last met Senegal on October 31 in 2012 in a Group A fixture in the then CAF African Women Championship at the Malabo Stadium in Equatorial Guinea.
Banyana Banyana emerged triumphant 1-0 with an Andisiwe Mgcoyi strike in the 70th minute.
Some of the players who were part of that tournament include the retired trio of Amanda Dlamini, Portia Modise and Janine van Wyk, while Refiloe Jane, Andile Dlamini and Noko Matlou are the only remaining members of that squad.
Amanda Dlamini captained the team.
In the next few days, Dr Ellis is expected to name the team that will tackle the West Africans.
CAF is yet to announce the dates for the WAFCON, where South Africa will be defending their title they won in Morocco in 2022.
Banyana Banyana Starting Eleven vs Senegal in 2012:
Thoko Mndaweni (GK), Janine van Wyk, Amanda Sister, Refiloe Jane, Amanda Dlamini (c), Portia Modise, Gabisile Hlumbane, Nothando Vilakazi, Nocawe Skiti, Noko Matlou, Andisiwe Mgcoyi
Substitutes:
Andile Dlamini (GK), Leandra Smeda, Sanah Mollo, Silindile Ngubane, Charlotte Mshengu, Zamandosi Cele, Lebogang Mabatle
By Matlhomola Morake
