Ellis announces Banyana squad to face DR Congo in Olympic qualifiers  

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has announced her squad that will face DR Congo in two 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers this month. 

The squad announcement took place at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park on Thursday, 19 October 2023. 

Ellis’ troops will face DR Congo in a two-legged fixture. The first leg will be played away from home on 25 October 2023. The return played a few days in South Africa.

JANINE VAN WYK’S LAST DANCE

Interestingly, Banyana stalwart Janine van Wyk is included in the squad too as it was confirmed on Monday.

The veteran defender is set to bring the curtain down when the side battles it out with the Congolese in the Olympic qualifiers.

So far, Van Wyk has won 183 international caps. She is the most capped player in South Africa, male or female, and the highest-capped female in CAF.

To add to that, should the three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year play Van Wyk in the two games, the JVW FC boss will become the most capped player, male or female, on the continent.

Van Wyk will be hoping to break Ahmed Hassan’s record of the most capped player in Africa, male or female, with 184 caps for the Egyptian national team.

Meanwhile, coach Ellis stated that they will have to forget about their success at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World and shift focus to booking a spot in the Olympic Games next year.

South Africa finished in the last 16 of the World Cup. Ellis charges’ came back home after losing to the Netherlands with a 2-0 scoreline.

BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD LIST 

GOALKEEPERS: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane

DEFENDERS: Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Janine van Wyk, Faith Nokuthula, Asanda Hadebe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede

MIDFIELDERS: Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Nomvula Kgoale, Amogelang Matlou, Ayesha Moosa

FORWARDS: Nicole Michael, Gabriela Salgado, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Samkelisiwe Selana, Jermaine Seoposenwe.

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