The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have assembled for camp in preparation for their upcoming two international friendly matches against Brazil.
The first match will be played on Friday, 2 September 2022 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto with the second scheduled for Monday, 5 September at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The squad gathered in Johannesburg ahead of the first fixture, with the bulk of the team made up of all but three players who were part of the winning team at the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa of Nations in Morocco last month.
Defender Noko Matlou is experiencing work permit problems and is thus unable to travel outside Spain, while Thembi Kgatlana and Sibulele Holweni are nursing injuries. In their place head coach Desiree Ellis called up Asanda Hadebe, Lonathemba Mhlongo and Thubelihle Shamase.
The clash against Brazil will be the first for Ellis since the 2016 Rio Olympics when the match ended in a stalemate.
Both sides are using the encounters to prepare for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand.
Brazil is expected to arrive in South Africa on Tuesday (30 August). They recently won their eighth Copa America Femenina after defeating hosts Columbia last month.
Banyana Banyana Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Andile Dlamini (Sundowns Ladies), Kaylin Swart (JVW), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)
Defenders:
Karabo Dhlamini (Oakland University), Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower WFC), Janine van Wyk (JVW), Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk), Bambanani Mbane (Sundowns Ladies), Bongeka Gumede (UWC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC)
Midfielders:
Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo), Nomvula Kgoale (Unattached), Linda Motlhalo (Djurgardens), Thalea Smidt (Sundowns Ladies), Robyn Moodaly (JVW), Kholosa Biyana (Unattached), Amogelang Motau (UWC), Thubelihle Shamase (UJ)
Forwards:
Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez), Melinda Kgadiete (Sundowns Ladies), Noxolo Cesane (UWC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond United), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto)
By Matlhomola Morake
