Banyana Banyana arrived in earthquake-ravaged Turkey in Antalya on Wednesday to take part in the Turkish Women’s Cup while the hosts and two other nations pulled out.
On Saturday, 11 February, the SA Football Association [SAFA] released a statement voicing out their concerns about the African champions [AWCON], Banyana Banyana’s trip to Turkey.
However, following consultations with the SA government, the Turkish Ambassador and organisers of the Turkish Women’s Cup, SAFA concluded that it was acceptable to allow Banyana Banyana to travel to Turkey.
Turkey is currently mourning the deaths of thousands of its citizens who lost their lives in the earthquake that left the country distraught. The country is also still searching for survivors and the remains of those who died.
The tournament, which initially had 12 countries to participate will now have nine nations as the hosts Turkey, Venezuela and Jordan have pulled out.
In a statement, Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) said: “The FVF informs that, due to the latest events in Turkey and Syria and in solidarity with those affected by both nations, the female Red Wine will not attend Alanya to play the Turkish Women’s Cup 2023.
The Jordan Football Association [JFA] also pulled out due to the aftermath of the earthquake.
“The national team cancelled its participation in the Turkish International Friendly Championship, which is expected to be held in Alanya, in light of the current situation there and the repercussions of the earthquake in southern Turkey,” read the JFA statement.
WHAT AWAITS BANYANA IN THE TURKISH WOMEN’S CUP
Ellis and her technical team travelled with 16 local players to Turkey on Tuesday. Seven of the overseas-based players will join the rest of the team in Antalya.
Banyana were supposed to play their opening game against the hosts, Turkey, on Wednesday, 15 February. But they will now start their Turkish Women’s Cup campaign on Saturday, 18 February, against Uzbekistan. Followed by Venezuala on 21 February.
The purpose of this tournament is to serve as preparation for Ellis’ troops for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup. The tournament will take place in Australia and New Zealand later this year in July.
TRAVELING SQUAD TO TURKEY
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Regirl Ngobeni, Katlego Moletsane
Defenders: Asanda Hadebe, Karabo Dlamini, Fikile Magama
Midfielders: Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Thalea Smidt, Robyn Moodaly, Amogelang Matau
Forwards: Noxolo Cesane, Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Melinda Kgadiete, Nthabiseng Majiya, Hildah Magaia, Lelona Daweti
RELATED STORY: SAFA provides update on Banyana trip as Turkey death toll climbs above 24000
