Ellis names Banyana squad for WAFCON qualifiers as Janine van Wyk returns 

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has named her squad that will face Burkina Faso in WAFCON qualifiers this month. 

Ellis’ charges will play Burkina Faso in home and away in the CAF WAFCON qualifiers. The squad announcement took place at the SAFA House on Thursday, 23 November 2023. 
 
South Africa will face Burkina Faso in the first leg on 30 November 2023. The return leg will take place a few days later on 4 December 2023.

JANINE VAN WYK RETURNS 

The squad announcement saw the return of veteran defender Janine Van Wyk. This comes after van Wyk left the Banyana camp last month on a sad note.

This was after she did not get a chance to earn her 184th cap against DR Congo during the CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers.

The Banyana stalwart was set to bring the curtain down when Ellis’ troops battled it out with the Congolese side. 

Van Wyk was hoping to equal Ahmed Hassan’s record of the most capped player in Africa, male or female, with 184 caps.

“I can’t describe the pain I’m feeling deep inside of me. One last moment I’m meant to embrace has turned to be a moment of distraught,” wrote Van Wyk on X [previously known as Twitter].

To add to that, should coach Ellis play Van Wyk in those two games, the JVW FC boss will become the most capped player, male or female, on the continent. 

BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD LIST 

GOALKEEPERS: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane

DEFENDERS: Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Janine van Wyk, Faith Nokuthula, Asanda Hadebe, Noko Matlou, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Lebohang Ramalepe

MIDFIELDERS: Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Sphumelele Shamase , Amogelang Matlou, Thubelihle Shamase

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

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