Desiree Ellis names Banyana squad to face USA  

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has named her squad that will face the USA this month.

The 23-member squad announcement took place at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park on Wednesday, 6 September 2023.

South Africa secured the high-profile international friendly against the world’s number three ranked nation while they were still participating in the just-ended 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. 

Ellis’ charges will take on the USA in two friendly matches scheduled to be played in Cincinnati and Chicago this month. 

Banyana will face the North American side champions at TQL Stadium on 22 September and at Soldier Field on 24 September 2023.

The three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, Ellis, welcomed the news with open arms when SAFA confirmed that her side will battle it out with the USA. 

This made Ellis happy because Banyana will be facing one of the top nations in the world, especially in their on their own turf.

On the other hand, the USA coach Vlatko Andonovski was also delighted by the news of facing the African champions. 

Andonovski described South Africa as a nation that has talented players and anticipates two entertaining friendly games. 

Banyana finished in the last 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. South Africa came home after losing to the Netherlands with a 2-0 scoreline. 

Meanwhile, the USA were knocked out by Sweden in the quarter-finals in a sudden-death penalty shootout [5-4].

The USA came into the 2023 Women’s World Cup as the defending champions.

DESIREE ELLIS’ BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD LIST 

GOALKEEPERS:

Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane

DEFENDERS:

Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Noko Matlou, Bongeka Gamede

MIDFIELDERS:

Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Nomvula kgoale, Sibulele Holweni, Robyn Moodaly, Sinoxolo Cesane

FORWARDS:

Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana.

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