Mexico-based forward, Hilda Magaia, is among three players who have been withdrawn from the Banyana Banyana squad and will miss the upcoming two friendly matches against Senegal.
The former Amatuks and TUT player has been sidelined by medical reasons while the University of the Western Cape pair of Bongeka Gamede and Fikile Magama are busy with exams.
In their place, Lesego Nkoane of TS Galaxy Queens has been called up alongside the University of Johannesburg duo of and Ayesha Moosa and Shannon Macomo – with the latter the only one uncapped at senior level despite appearances in the U17 and U20 Women’s National Teams.
Magaia, Gamede and Magama’s absence increases the number of regulars missing from the squad following the non-inclusion of Andile Dlamini, Noko Matlou, Jermaine Seoposenwe Thembi Kgatlana, captain Refiloe Jane (Italy), Nomvula Kgoale, Gabriela Salgado as well as Regirl Ngobeni. All 11 players were part of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad that made history by progressing to the Round of 16 at the tournament.
The 23 players called up will assemble for camp on Monday, 27 May in Johannesburg and will depart on Wednesday evening (29 May) after they have cast their votes on Election Day.
Meanwhile, the Senegal FA has agreed to move the first match from Friday, 31 May to Saturday, 1 June, while the second fixture remains intact on the 4 June 2024.
There will be little time for the South Africans to prepare thoroughly for this match and will have to hit the ground running – what compounds matters is that this is a somewhat changed with about 10 players being non-regulars.
But Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis will be able to rely on the experience of Kaylin Swart, Kholosa Biyana, Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, Lebogang Ramalepe and Karabo Dhlamini – with one of these expected to wear the captain’ armband in the absence of Jane and Kgatlana.
By Matlhomola Morake
