Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have secured two international friendly matches as they prepare for the 2022 CAF Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers kicking off later this year.
The South African Women’s National Team will face neighbours Zambia and Botswana on Saturday, 10 April and Tuesday, 13 April 2021, respectively.
The clashes will both take place at the Bidvest Wits Stadium in Milpark, Johannesburg and will kick off at 15h00.
To prepare for the encounters, Banyana Banyana are currently in camp since Monday, 5 April – their second of the year, following the training camp they held two weeks ago.
“We have a program for the year that we need to stick to, to ensure that we are ready for our qualifiers once the draw comes out.” – Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis
Head Coach Desiree Ellis has called up 26 players – but she has had to exclude some overseas-based players due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“We have a program for the year that we need to stick to, to ensure that we are ready for our qualifiers once the draw comes out. The past year has been very difficult for us with no football permitted to play, but we need to look forward and ensure that we reach our goals,” said Ellis.
“We are still faced with challenges due to the pandemic, but we cannot let that demoralise us. We had called up some of our players plying their trade abroad, but they could not be released for these friendly matches due to Covid-19 restrictions. We have to soldier on and perhaps start planning around a few locally based players to stabilise the team.”
Only Thembi Kgatlana, Noko Matlou and Amanda Mthandi (all based in Spain) have arrived for the clashes.
Players Excluded from the Camp:
Janine van Wyk (Glasgow City, Scotland)
Refiloe Jane (AC Milan, Italy)
Kholosa Biyana (Sporting Gijon, Spain)
Hildah Magaia (Moron BK, Sweden)
Linda Motlhalo (Djurgardens, Sweden)
Jermaine Seoposenwe (SC Braga, Portugal)
Karabo Dhlamini (University of Northwestern Ohia, USA)
Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk, Belrus)
Rhoda Mulaudzi (Dinamo Minsk, Belrus)
Official Banyana Banyana Squad to Face Zambia and Botswana:Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Mapaseka Mpuru (University of Pretoria)
Jessica Williams (Spurs WFC)
Kaylyn Jordaan (Spurs WFC)
Karabo Makhurubetshi (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Tiisetso Makhubela (Tshwane University of Technology)
Noko Matlou (SD Eibar)
Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Ongeziwe Ndlangisa (Sunflower FC)
Bongeka Gamede (University of Western Cape)
Koketso Tlailane (Tshwane University of Technology)
Xiluva Tshabalala (Ma-Indies FC)
Mamello Makhabane (JVW FC)
Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
Nomvula Kgoale (Tshwane University of Technology)
Oratile Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Noxolo Cesane (University of Western Cape)
Gabriela Salgado (JWV FC)
Nonhlanhla Mthani (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Thembi Kgatlana (SD EIBAR)
Amanda Mthandi (CD Badajoz)
Sibulele Holweni (University of Western Cape)
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (Bloemfontein Celtic)
Ntomibifikile Ndlovu (Sunflower FC)
Lonathemba Mhlongo (Durban Ladies FC)
Photo 1 Caption: South African international footballers, Thembi Kgatlana (left), and Noko Matlou (right), arrived from SD Eibar in Spain for Banyana Banyana’s friendlies against Zambia and Botswana on Saturday, 10 April and Tuesday, 13 April 2021, respectively. Photo: SAFA
With editing by gsport
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