Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced a 23-member squad that will face Brazil in two high-profile friendly matches to be played in South Africa next month.
The two sides will meet in the first match at Orlando Stadium on 2 September at 18:00 and then face off in the second encounter three days later at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The two matches are meant to help Banyana prepare for next year’s World Cup that will be jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
The reigning African champions booked their place in the World Cup at the WAFCON tournament last month.
SAFA assured Ellis they would provide the necessary support for the team ahead of the global soccer showpiece. A friendly against one of the world’s revered sides – Brazil – seemingly shows SAFA’s willingness to keep their word.
Ellis’ squad is dominantly made up of the same players who represented the country at the WAFCON, which was hosted by Morocco.
The Banyana mentor stressed the importance of playing superior opposition as they prepare for the 2023 global soccer showcase.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini (Oakland University), Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower WFC), Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk), Janine van Wyk (JVW), Bambanani Mbane (Sundowns), Bongeka Gumede (UWC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC)
Midfielders: Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo), Nomvula Kgaola (Unattached), Linda Motlhalo (Djurgadens), Thalea Smidt (Sundowns), Robyn Moodaly (JVW), Kholosa Biyana (Unattached), Amogelang Motau (UWC), Thubelihle Shamase (UJ)
STRIKERS: Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez), Melinda Kgadiete (Sundowns), Noxolo Cesane (UWC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto).
Brazil won an eighth Copa América Femenina after they beat hosts Colombia 1-0 in July, while the SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana clinched African women’s football’s biggest prize when they beat Morocco 2-1 last month.
Both sides have qualified for the Women’s World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand next year.
