Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced the 23-player squad that will participate in the European Tour in announcement was held at the SABC Studios in Auckland Park on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.
The African Champion will feature in high-profile international friendly matches against Denmark and England, opening their European account when they take on Denmark at the Aalborgh Stadium in Denmark on 25 October. The match is scheduled for a 18h00 kick-off (SA time).
The team then travels across the ocean to Coventry in the United Kingdom, where they face reigning European Champions, England on 29 October, 2024. This match will be played at Coventry Building Society Arena at 21h45 (SA time).
Dr Ellis’ charges have continued to represent women’s football admirably on the global stage and these international friendlies will also primarily help her prepare for the defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
Speaking after the announcement, Ellis said that they were very excited for the two upcoming international friendlies, and that they have an objective going into these two matches.
“We are preparing for the 2025 WAFCON, and we are very happy that we will be able to prepare against world class opposition.
“Denmark will give us the opportunity to work on our strength and areas that we struggle with against some African opponents. If you remember well, Senegal gave us very physical matches in our last international friendlies, and although I felt the player there dealt well with the situation, we need to work hard in building our players in those areas.”
Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Desiree Ellis
“England are European Champions, and that on its own will be a great challenge for us, who also hold the title in Africa. We are looking forward to an exciting, fast paced, tactical match against a team we have watched before and a coach whose philosophy I know.”
Banyana Banyana will return to South African on 31 October 2024, where they will then turn their attention to the next international friendly match against the Reggae Queens of Jamaica in November 2024.
The Banyana Banyana 23-Player Squad for the 2024 European Tour
Goalkeepers
Kaylin Swart
Andile Dlamini
Dineo Magagula
Defenders
Karabo Dhlamini
Fikile Magama
Tisetso Makhubela
Lonathemba Mhlongo
Bambanani Mbane
Lebohang Ramalepe
Midfielders
Sibulele Holweni
Linda Mothlahlo
Thubelihle Shamase
Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Nondumiso Manengela
Kholosa Biyana
Amogelang Motau
Forwards
Thembi Kgatlana
Nicole Michael
Noxolo Cesane
Hildah Magaia
Sinoxolo Cesane
Ntabiseng Majiya
Sphumele Shamase
Fixtures
Friday 25 October 2024: 18h00 (SA Time) Denmark vs Banyana (Aalborgh Stadium)
Tuesday 29 October 2024: 21h45 (SA Time) England vs Banyana Banyana (Coventry Building Society Arena)
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis announced the 23-player squad that will participate in the high-profile European Tour’s international friendly matches against Denmark and England, at an announcement held at the SABC Studios in Auckland Park on Tuesday, 8 October 2024. Photo: Supplied
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