Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis announces a 23-member squad to face Australia in an international friendly in the United Kingdom on Saturday, 8 October 2022.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions will be back in action as preparations gear up for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand between July and August 2023.
The South African Football Association made it clear post Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON triumph that the team will focus on playing against top opposition to get them ready for the tournament.
The African champions have already played against the Copa América Femenina champions Brazil in a two-legged international friendly encounter earlier this month where they suffered a 3-0 first leg defeat at Orlando Stadium in Soweto and 6-0 in the second leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
However, Ellis has emphasised on the lessons taken from both encounters and believe it is giving her and her technical team clarity on areas that need work before the team head to the World Cup next year.
The 23-member squad that will face Australia is dominated by local players and will see the return of midfielder Gabriela Salgado, who missed out on the WAFCON tournament due to an injury.
Speaking to SABC Sport where she made the announcement, Ellis has insisted that the door is not closed for any players who still want to be part of the squad.
“We have said it before that the door is not closed to any player, we never forget players, they are always at the back of our minds, and this is an opportunity for players to raise their hands for selection.”
Banyana Banyana Squad to Face Australia
GOAKEEPERS:
ANDILE DLAMINI
REGIRL NGOBENI
DINEO MAGAGULA
DEFENDERS:
THATO LETSOSO
FIKILE MAGAMA
TISETSO MAKHUBELA
LONATHEMBA MALONGO
CYNTHIA MAKETE
BAMBANANI MBANE
BONGEKA GAMEDE
MIDFILDERS:
CIMONE SAULS
REFILOE JANE
SIBULELE HOLWENI
LINDA MOTLHALO
THALEA SMIDT
ROBYN MOODALY
AMOGELANG MOTAU
FORWARDS:
NTHABISENG MAJIYA
THUBELIHLE SHAMASE
GABRIELA SALGADO
JERMAINE SEOPOSENWE
MELINDA KGADIETE
HILDAH MAGAIA
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