Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis named the squad to face Lesotho in a double-friendly clash, scheduled for the 22 and 25 February at University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus.
The two friendlies will form part of South Africa’s preparations to defend their title in the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament, which will be played in Morocco.
Ellis made several changes in her selection leaving out notable senior players while roping in young blood. She, however, explained the reasons behind her decision.
“To me, it is not about the age, but what players can bring, we are always watching players and have been impressed with the group we have called in for these two matches.”
“I look back at last year, November and the year before when we had a huge challenge with injuries, visa issues and exams, we were stretching around players, so now we are looking at making the core group bigger.”
The WAFCON winning coach went on to stress the need to build a broad and solid team.
“We are also looking at the future after the 2024 WAFCON which is being held soon, there is a 2026 final qualifier to qualify for the World Cup in 2027, so it is in two fields where we are looking into these young players.”
“We are starting now to do that, and this is the only window that we can have a look at players and going forward we will select our best squad to prepare for WAFCON.”
This is not a strange move from the African champion’s coach, early in 2024 she brought notable changes in the team, with young players in the line-up of the CAF Women's Olympic Qualifying tournament against Tanzania. Ellis believes her strategy is coming right.
“You look at the likes of Sinoxolo Cesane, Karabo Dhlamini in their early 20s, you look at those young players - Nthabiseng Majiya who is not yet 21, we have blended those players well over the years.
“I think Sibulele Holweni has 30 caps already so that augurs well for us when people say they have been around.
“For me, it’s not about age, it is about the job that you can really do. If you can do the job, then you will be there because we have to get that mix right.
“When Thembi (Kgathlana) got injured, everybody wondered what would happen, but we knew what we had in the squad, we knew players that could step up” Ellis explained.
With the tough mentioned assignments ahead Ellis and her troops will kick off their camp with goalkeeper’s first next week Saturday, and the rest of the team joining the camp on 17 February in Johannesburg.
FULL BANYANA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Jessica Williams (Badgers FC), Casey Gordon(JVW FC), Asa Rabalao, Mbali Ntimeni (both Mamelodi Sundowns), MatshidisoMasebe (University of Johannesburg), Katlego Moletsane, Siphesihle Dlamini (both University of the Western Cape), Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy).
Defenders: Ntando Phahla (University of Pretoria), Portia Masilela (University of Johannesburg), Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC), Yomelelo Jacobs (TS Galaxy), Sikelelwa Mhlanga (City Lads FC), Unathi Simayile (University of the Western Cape), Yolanda Nduil (University of Johannesburg)
Midfielders: Okuhle Sithole (Durban Ladies FC), Mmabatho Mogale (Currently not announced), NondumisoManengela (University of the Western Cape), Isabella Ludwig (Currently not announced), Katlego Malebana (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sibongile Ntoane (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC), Thato Mofolo, Adrielle MIBE (both University of Johannesburg), Kesha Hendricks (University of Fort Hare)
Forwards: Katlego Mohale, Tanna Hollis (both JVW FC) Kwezi Khoza (Durban Ladies FC), Tshegofatso Motlogelwa (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC) Mavis Maiacane (Super Strikers FC), NobahleMdelwa (University of Johannesburg)