Coach Simphiwe Dludlu has spoken of her “great honour” after being assigned to lead Banyana Banyana at this year’s COSAFA Women’s Championships.
The regional tournament is set to start from 31 August to 11 September 2022 in Port Elizabeth.
South Africa are drawn in Group A with Angola, Mauritius and Mozambique.
SAFA confirmed the news on Tuesday afternoon, citing that coach “Desiree Ellis and her regulars have other commitments elsewhere.”
Dludlu, who is the U17 National Women’s head coach expressed her gratitude for the opportunity afforded to her by the South African football governing body.
“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,” Dludlu told SAFA media.
“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.”
The Association further stated that Dludlu will not have the players who won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last month at her disposal.
As a result, she has called up an exiciting 23-member squad who have come through the development ranks.
However, few of the players have donned the Banyana jersey before.
“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,” she added.
“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.”
BANYANA FULL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
- Kebotseng MOLETSANE Bloemfontein Celtic (Free State)
- Dineo MAGAGULA University of Johannesburg FC (Gauteng)
- Tshidi MURUOA TUT FC (Gauteng)
DEFENDERS
- Fikile MAGAMA UWC FC Cape (Western Cape)
- Cimone SAULS JVW FC (Gauteng)
- Koketso TLAILANE TUT FC (Gauteng)
- Nothando VILAKAZI TUT FC (Gauteng)
- Tiisetso MAKHUBELA Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (Gauteng)
- Lonathemba MHLONGO UWC FC (Western Cape)
- Thato LETSOSO TUT FC (Gauteng)
- Sharol RAMAOKA TUT FC
MIDFIELDERS
- Jamie- Leigh WITBOOI CR Vasco Da Gama Ladies (Western Cape)
- Mmabatho MOGALE TUKS/High Performance Centre (Gauteng)
- Sphumelele SHAMASE University of Johannesburg FC (Gauteng)
- Oratile MOKWENA Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (Gauteng)
- Nonhlanhla MTHANDI Mamelodi University Ladies (Gauteng)
- Sinazo NTSHOTA City Lads Ladies (Eastern Cape)
- Busisiwe NDIMENI TUT (Gauteng)
STRIKERS
- Lelona DAWETI Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (Gauteng)
- Zethembiso VILAKAZI Lindelani FC (KwaZulu Natal)
- Michelle SAMPSON Richmond United Ladies (Northern Cape)
- Amanda MKHIZE Durban Ladies (KwaZulu Natal)
- Lithemba SAM Cape Town Roses (Western Cape).
