Banyana Banyana is poised for an exciting match as they prepare to take on the Democratic Republic of the Congo in an away fixture for the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers.
This pivotal encounter is scheduled to unfold on Wednesday, the 25th of October, at the Grand Stade de Martyrs stadium.
In a recent announcement, Coach Desiree Ellis unveiled the squad that will take on DR Congo this month. Notably, the team includes the esteemed and long-serving former captain, Janine van Wyk.
A few weeks ago, Coach Ellis made a heartfelt announcement to the nation that Janine van Wyk would reclaim her spot in the Sasol-sponsored team. These upcoming matches will serve as a fitting farewell for the beloved defender, as she prepares to gracefully conclude her illustrious career following these games.
The announcement from the Banyana Banyana coach came during the Sasol League National Championships held at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Thursday (19 October 2023).
The South African senior women’s team, proudly sponsored by Sasol, conducted their crucial pre-match training session on Tuesday afternoon, marking their first on-field practice since arriving in DR Congo on Monday morning.
Linda Mothalo and Faith Nokuthula arrived on Tuesday afternoon, enhancing Coach Ellis’ player options following some withdrawals for various reasons.
Ellis emphasised the need for caution as the second-ranked Banyana Banyana would engage with the 15th-placed hosts in the initial leg of the encounter.
“We travelled really well, had a good night’s sleep and we were warmly welcomed by the federation. It is the big game on Wednesday and it is an away match for us,” coach Desiree Ellis said.
“We are looking to get a positive result to make the home leg on Monday easier. But we know it won’t be easy, [DRC Congo] had a really good result against Benin, so we know we are in for a difficult game. But I feel we have enough in our team to get a positive result.”
Following the match, Banyana Banyana will return home and touch down in South Africa on Thursday morning. They will then resume their preparations for the second leg, scheduled for Monday, the 30th of October at Orlando Stadium.
Banyana Banyana Squad
Goalkeepers
Andile Dlamini
Kaylin Swart
Katlego Moletsane
Defenders
Karabo Dhlamini
Fikile Magama
Janine van Wyk
Faith Nokuthula
Asanda Hadebe
Tiisetso Makhubela
Lonathemba Mhlongo
Bongeka Gamede
Midfielders
Linda Motlhalo
Kholosa Biyana
Nomvula Kgoale
Amogelang Motau
Ayesha Moosa
Forwards
Nicole Michael
Gabriela Salgado
Noxolo Cesane
Melinda Kgadiete
Wendy Shongwe
Hildah Magaia
Thembi Kgatlana
Samkelisiwe Selana
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Photo Caption: Desiree Ellis being interviewed by the media ahead of Banyana Banyana’s away qualifier match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday, 25 October, 2023. Photo: Banyana Banyana on Instagram