Sinoxolo Cesane gets first Banyana call-up, Ellis reveals why 

Coach Desiree Ellis has revealed why she has called up East Tennessee State midfielder Sinoxolo Cesane for the first time in the Banyana Banyana squad. 

South Africa will take on the USA in two friendly matches set to be played in Cincinnati and Chicago this month. 

Ellis’ charges will lock horns with the North American nation at TQL Stadium on 22 September, with the second friendly played at Soldier Field on 24 September 2023.

Sinoxolo Cesane received her first-ever Banyana call-up when Ellis made the squad announcement at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park on Wednesday, 6 September 2023. 

Interestingly, she will be playing alongside her twin-sister Noxolo Cesane, who made her debut for the national team in 2019 and was part of the Banyana squad that won the 2022 WAFCON tournament held in Morocco. 

Sinoxolo is currently plying her trade at East Tennessee State in the United States.

Just last month, the skilful player was named the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

DESIREE ELLIS ON SINOXOLO CESANE 

Ellis said Sinoxolo had been close to receiving her first call-up. The coach insists that she has been in conversations with the player before. And the Banyana mentor feels like this is the right time to have a look at her.

“Sinoxolo Cesane can play as an attacking midfielder and she can also play behind the striker. We have Linda [Motlhalo] who also plays in that position,” Ellis told the media. 

“Like I said, we need to get more depth in the squad. So, going to the USA is a good opportunity to have a look at her. 

“I have already had conversations with her and she’s very excited. We have seen what she can do.”

The three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year continued: “And having played the South African youth team before, she knows what it takes to represent the country.” 

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