South African national women’s team coach Desiree Ellis has named captain Refiloe Jane in her 24-player squad for the final round of the Caf Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Nigeria.
Jane makes her way back to the squad dominated by Hollywoodbets Super League Champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, after being sidelined due to a long-term injury.
Among other players back in the national team are University of Western Cape's Sibulelo Holweni, Bongeka Gamede, and Sundowns’ Bambanani Mbane.
Ellis believes that having more experienced legs back in the team will be something to count on.
“We know the Nigeria game is not going to be easy, but we have shown that we can play with the best.”
“Having our best players back will also help because when it comes to the tough matches, you need experience. They have been there in tough situations, when things were not okay and they stood up.”
“We also have enthusiasm of youth, and I think that is what we need to get right – get that mix (of young and senior players) right, said Ellis.
Banyana Banyana will travel to lock horns with the Super Falcons in the first leg on Friday 5 April at MKO Abiola Stadium, at 18h00 CAT.
The return leg will be played four days later, on Tuesday 9 April, at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria at 19h30 CAT.
The winner of this two-legged tie will earn the spot to represent Africa at the Paris Olympic Games to be held from 24 July to 10 August 2024.
BANYANA BANYANA FINAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Kaylin Swart [JVW FC], Katlego Moletsane [Royal AM], Regirl Ngobeni [UWC]
DEFENDERS: Karabo Dhlamini [Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies], Noko Matlou [SB Eibar], Fikile Magama [UWC] Bambanani Mbane [Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies], Tiisetso Makhubela [Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies], Bongeka Gamede [UWC], Lonathemba Mhlongo [UWC], Lebohang Ramalepe [Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies]
MIDFIELDERS: Linda Motlhalo [Racing Louisville], Refiloe Jane [US Sassuolo], Sibulelo Holweni [UWC], Sinoxolo Cesane [Mazatlan FC], Nomvula Kgoale [TS Galaxy], Nohlanhla Mthandi [Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies], Amogelang Motau [UWC]
FORWARDS: Gabriela Salgado [JVW FC], Noxolo Cesane [UWC], Nthabiseng Majiya [Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies], Jermaine Seoposenwe [Monterrey], Hildah Magaia [Mazatlan FC], Thembi Kgatlana [Tigres UANL].