Banyana Call Up SASOL League Stars

Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza will use the international friendly match against Botswana at the Moruleng Stadium near Rustenburg on Monday, 10 December 2012, to try out a range of new combinations.

The clash takes place in Rustenburg because of the partnership with the North West Government’s Department of Sport and Recreation, and the 15h00 kickoff encounter will be used to highlight the provincial government’s focus on 16 days of Activism against Women and Child Abuse, which ends on match day – Monday, 10 December.

Following the SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s silver medal-winning feat at the CAF African Women Championship held in Equatorial Guinea last month, Mkhonza has called up left-footed midfielder Maite Makola of Kanatla Ladies (SASOL League Free State) and goalkeeper Nthabiseng Masunte from Cape Town Roses (SASOL League Western Cape).

“Both players have been called up to the Banyana Banyana team after being identified at the SASOL League National Championships, held in Durban in July this year,” said Mkhonza.

“Makola is a fine passer of the ball and extremely skilful, while Masunte was part of the South African team that competed at the FIFA Women’s Under 17 World Cup 2010 in the Caribbean.”

Banyana Banyana will travel to Rustenburg without the services of captain Amanda Dlamini who is being rested and Amanda Sister, who has family commitments.

In the absence of Dlamini, vice captain and central defender Janine van Wyk will lead the side, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (SASOL League Gauteng) exciting goalkeeper Andile Dlamini seems set to earn her third cap between the posts for the home side.

TUT Ladies (SASOL League Gauteng) midfielder Mary Ntsweng returns to the national team after missing the African showpiece event due to study commitments, and her 43 caps will add a wealth of experience to the side.