Following her announcement of the Banyana Banyana squad to face Serbia in an international friendly, head coach Desiree Ellis says the door is not closed on anyone.
The friendly scheduled for 10 April in Serbia is part of the national women’s senior team’s preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this year.
Ellis said she initially selected the squad to reward form considering that some players had to withdraw due to injury. Though the replacement players have not made the final cut to Serbia the coach is always looking ahead of the future.
“Look, we selected the squad, obviously we looked at players that have also been to camp before. We looked at their performances and some of them have come back better. Unfortunately Amogelang Motau had to withdraw along with Asanda Hadebe and Melinda [Kgadiete] having picked up injuries” Ellis said on SABC Sport.
“So we replaced them with other players that have been on form, the likes of Nicole Michael of TS Galaxy [Queens], Mmabatho Mogale of Tuks as well as Tshegofatso Matlogelwa the captain of TUT.
“And we were pleasantly surprised when they came in by their fitness levels also their attitude, the technique and everything they gave. These are players that are 17, 22 etc. So we are not just looking for now but we are also looking for the future because you have to prepare for the future.
“Whether they go to the World Cup or not you have to bring them in and there is a 14-year-old in our U17 team. I think she’s an excellent player so if you have a big enough camp, you bring her in just to be part of the set-up and she goes back being a little bit more motivated. The door can never be closed until the final squad is handed over.”
Ahead of the trip to Serbia the African Coach of the Year says the biggest challenge with her squad has been finishing and she has consulted with the coaches in the league to assist with that as well.
“We urge the coaches to assist us with finishing and finishing under pressure because we have such little time during camp to work on everything. So we’ve also asked players to go and work individually on finishing,” she added.
Banyana are set to leave for Serbia on 6 April and play the host nation on 10 April in their backyard.
