Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named her squad, which will face Senegal in two away international friendly matches during the upcoming FIFA break.
The 23-member squad was announced by the South African football governing body [SAFA] on Thursday, 16 May 2024.
Ellis’ charges will face Senegal on their own turf on Friday, 31 May, and on Tuesday, 4 June 2024.
There are some notable absentees from the Banyana squad. Some of the noteworthy players who are being snubbed from the national team squad are goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, defender Noko Matlou, Thembi Kgatlana, who plays as a forward and captain Refiloe Jane, who had just returned to the squad in March after her long-term injury.
‘WE ALSO WANT TO SEE OTHER PLAYERS’
Before the squad announcement, coach Ellis noted that we might not see other players because they want to give others an opportunity to showcase what they’re capable of on the field of play.
“There are players coming back from injury, and we also want to see other players during these friendlies against Senegal. We need to prepare and be ready for WAFCON. We haven’t received any communication on when it is going to happen, but we will utilize these FIFA dates to make sure that we start preparing,” Ellis told the SAFA media department.
These friendly games against the West African nation are part of the Banyana preparations for the 2024 WAFCON tournament.
The upcoming WAFCON tournament is set to take place in Morocco. However, the dates of the start of the competition are yet to be confirmed by CAF. Banyana will go into this tournament to defend their continental title, having won it back in 2022.
BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD LIST
GOALKEEPERS
Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane, Dineo Magagula
DEFENDERS
Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Tiisetso Makhubela, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bambanani Mbane, Asanda Hadebe, Lebohang Ramalepe, Bongeka Gamede
MIDFIELDERS
Linda Motlhalo, Sibulele Holweni, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Mmabatho Mogale, Amogelang Motau, Kholosa Biyana
FORWARDS
Thubelihle Shamese, Nicole Michael, Noxolo Cesane, Hildah Magaia, Sinoxolo Cesane, and Nthabiseng Majiya.
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