Banyana coach Ellis names World Cup squad
Coach Desiree Ellis has named her 23-woman squad to represent South Africa at the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup in France next month.
Desiree Ellis coach of Banyana Banyana (Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix)
Ellis has kept the bulk of the experienced team that was instrumental in the Banyana qualifying for the tournament in Ghana last year, but blooded a number of youngsters in the mix.
She has named two uncapped players, defender Bongeka Gamede, who plays for the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, as well as goalkeeper Mapaseka Mpuru, who is on the books of the University of Pretoria.
There are four players with over 100 caps – captain Janine van Wyk (166), Noko Matlou (152), Nothando Vilakazi (129) and vice captain Refiloe Jane (104).
Veteran midfielder Nompumelelo Nyandeni has been left out of the squad.
“It was a difficult period to complete the final squad with many players raising their hands, and that is why we left it until late to announce our team. We went with a lot of experience and included some youngsters because we also have to think about the future. I have always believed in the saying that if a player looks ready don’t mind their age, just give them a chance,” said Ellis.
“I have full confidence in the squad that we have selected and I believe we will surprise many at the tournament.”
Banyana assemble for camp next Wednesday in Johannesburg before flying out to France the next day.
They will have one last chance to fine-tune the squad with an international friendly match against Norway in Amiens on June 2.
Banyana open their World Cup account with a clash against Spain in Le Havre on June 8, followed by a fixture against China PR in Paris on June 13.
The final group stages match will be against Germany in Montpellier on June 17.
Banyana squad:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Mapaseka Mpuru
Defenders: Janine van Wyk, Noko Matlou, Lebogang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Bambanani Mbane, Tiesetso Makhubela, Bongeka Gamede
Midfielders: Refiloe Jane, Leandra Smeda, Kholosa Biyana, Karabo Dhlamini, Linda Motlhalo, Mamello Makhabane, Kholosa Biyana, Busisiwe Ndimeni, Sibulelele Holweni
Strikers: Thembi Kgatlana, Rhoda Mulaudzi, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Amanda Mthandi, Ode Fulutudilu
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