After travelling for almost 20 hours, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have settled at their Saly base in Senegal.
The African Champions, who left South Africa on Wednesday night (29 May) after some of them cast their votes in the 2024 Elections, arrived on Thursday evening (30 May).
Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges are in the country to face the home team in two international friendly matches scheduled for Saturday (1 June 2024) and Tuesday (4 June 2024) – both will be played at Stade Lat Dior in Saly.
Banyana Banyana are without most of their regular players who have been either been left out or withdrawn from the squad for various reason, among others, Bongeka Gamede, Andile Dlamini, Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nomvula Kgoale and Refiloe Jane.
There are only three overseas-based players in the current team – Linda Motlhalo (USA), Sinoxolo Cesane (Mexico) and Thubelihle Shamase (Lithuania) – and all are already in camp.
Ellis has selected several youngsters but will still have the experience of the likes of Karabo Dhlamini, Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Kaylin Swart, Lebogang Ramalepe and Bambanani Mbane to call upon – with one of these wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Jane and Kgatlana.
The squad will have only one training on Friday (31 May) before facing the Teranga Lionesses in the first match.
UPDATED BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD TO FACE SENEGAL:
GOALKEEPERS:
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Katlego Moletsane (Royal AM)
Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy Queens)
DEFENDERS:
Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Shannon Macomo (UJ Ladies)
Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Asanda Hadebe (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Lebogang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC)
MIDFIELDERS:
Linda Motlhalo (Racing Louisville, USA)
Sibulele Holweni (UWC)
Amogelang Motau (UWC)
Nonhlanhla Mthandi (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Mmabatho Mogale (JVW FC)
Kholosa Biyana (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Ayesha Moosa (UJ Ladies)
Lesego Nkoane (TS Galaxy Queens)
FORWARDS:
Thubelihle Shamase (FC Gintra, Lithuania)
Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy Queens)
Noxolo Cesane (UWC)
Sinoxolo Cesane (Mazatlán FC, Mexico)
Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
By Matlhomola Morake
