Banyana Banyana have made three changes ahead of their two away international friendly matches against Senegal in the upcoming FIFA break.
The Dr Desiree Ellis-coached side reported for camp in Johannesburg on Sunday. SAFA confirmed that the side will have two local training sessions before jetting off to Dakar, Senegal. However, overseas players will connect with the national team en route to Senegal. South Africa will depart to the West African nation on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.
The 23-member squad was announced on Thursday, 16 May 2024, with some of the noteworthy players snubbed from the national team squad to give others a chance to showcase what they are capable of in the field of play.
Some of the notable absentees from the national team squad are goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, defender Noko Matlou, forward Thembi Kgatlana, and captain Refiloe Jane, who had just returned to the squad in March after the long-term injury she sustained during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.
WHEN IS SOUTH AFRICA FACING SENEGAL?
Banyana will face Senegal on their own turf on Friday, 31 May, and Tuesday, 4 June 2024. Ellis’ charges return to action for the first time after missing out on qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics Games.
These friendly matches against Senegal are part of the Banyana preparations for the 2024 WAFCON tournament, as they will go into this competition to defend their continental title, having won it back in 2022.
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.
THE THREE CHANGES MADE BY BANYANA BANYANA
There are three changes made within the SA women’s national team. These changes will grant other players a chance to win Ellis’ heart ahead of the WAFCON tournament.
The national ‘Breadwinner’, Hilda Magaia, has been replaced by Lesego Nkoane of TS Galaxy Queens due to medical reasons.
The University of the Western Cape [UWC] pair of Fikile Magama and Bongeka Gamede have been left out due to university exams. The duo were replaced by UJ’s Shannon Macoma and Ayesha Moosa.
RELATED STORY: Dr Desiree Ellis names Banyana squad to face Senegal
