The 2022 African Cup of Nations Champions, Banyana Banyana will now switch their attentions to the upcoming COSAFA Women’s Championships, albeit with a fringe squad and former Banyana Banyana captain Simphiwe Dludlu as coach.
With the aim to build a bigger pool of players and grooming the next generation of champions, Dludlu temporarily takes over from African Coach of the Year, Desiree Ellis as she and the players who made history in Morocco have other commitments.
In a move that fosters continuation and sustainability in both the playing personnel and technical team, Dludlu, has called up an exciting group of players who have come through the development ranks.
Some players in her 23-member squad have donned the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana jersey before, some have U17 and U20 international caps, while a few others have raised their hand in the National Women’s League. They will all be eager to stake their claims and fight for a place in the national team set up.
The U17 National Women’s Head Coach, who could well be a perfect candidate to take this position in future as she continues to build a credible coaching profile is elated to be given this opportunity.
“This is a very big opportunity afforded to me by the Association and the best Coach in Africa, Desiree Ellis. I am glad that I will get a platform to learn more while continuing to do the work I have done at U17 and U20 level, where we ensure that we have a big pool of players.
“I will be assisting Coach Desiree in expanding the pool of players for Banyana Banyana as they continue preparing for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup;” says Dludlu.
“I am excited for the players that we have selected, and the fact that these players will get to play against quality players within the COSAFA region.
“At the moment our region is excelling with two countries going to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. We have two clubs going to represent the region at the CAF Champions League, and this is a right time for us as South Africa to start introducing more players into Banyana Banyana,” concluded Dludlu.
South African has been drawn into Group A of the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championships alongside Angola, Mauritius and Mozambique.
Group B will see tough competition between Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zambia, while Group C consists of reigning champions Tanzania as well as Comoros, Botswana and Malawi.
Photo 1 Caption: The 2022 African Cup of Nations Champions, Banyana Banyana will now switch their attentions to the upcoming COSAFA Women’s Championships, albeit with a fringe squad and former Banyana Banyana captain Simphiwe Dludlu as coach. Photo: SAFA
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