Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis wants Hildah Magaia to hit the ground running in South Korea and has omitted her from the squad that will play the Netherlands to focus on establishing herself at Sejong Sportstoto.
The 27-year-old forward is in line to make her maiden WK League appearance on Saturday after joining the club last month.
On Saturday, the South Korean top division roars to life with Sportstoto set to play Changnyeong in a season opener.
“Magaia just moved to a new club in South Korea. I had a chat with her recently. She goes into quarantine every time she goes back from national duty,” explained Ellis.
“Therefore, we want her to settle well with her new team because they are starting with their first league match this weekend and having her come for the Netherlands game then have to go back to quarantine will also set her back, and she’s very grateful for that conversation.”
Magaia is not the only one who will be missing in action when Banyana invades The Hague on 12 April.
AC Milan midfielder Refiloe Jane and UWC Women’s Football team shot-stopper Regirl Ngobeni were also not included in the high profile friendly.
Ellis explained that Jane had not played for her Italian side in the last two weeks due to an injury.
“She (Refiloe) hasn’t been playing for two weeks. She picked up an injury, and we have received the medical report,” she said.
“I have been in constant contact with her in the past couple of weeks. There’s definitely no chance of her being able to make the squad.
“We also need to give players time to get over injuries.”
The two-time Caf Women’s Coach of the Year also clarified why the Hollywoodbets Super League Best Goalkeeper of the Season Ngobeni would not feature against the Orange Lionesses.
“Look, we playing one game and we’re going to be there for a couple of days, so we decided to go with the two experienced goalkeepers.
“But I had a chat with Regirl to say she just started working as a teacher as well. We want to give her enough time to focus on her work in order to make sure that when we go to Afcon, she’s available. And that’s the discussion I had with her.”
Banyana report for camp on 5 April and jet off to Europe on 8 April.
