Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named her 26 women squad that will participate in the Turkish Women’s Cup later this month.
As expected, there is no place for star forward Thembi Kgatlana, who has just returned to full fitness after picking up a huge injury in the WAFCON finals in Morocco last year.
She played the group stage games, but picked up an ankle injury (Achilles Tendon) in the third game and missed the knockout stages.
In the Turkey Women’s Cup, the AFCON champions will face hosts Turkey on Wednesday 15 February, then tackle Uzbekistan on 18 February and finally Venezuela on 21 February. All the matches will be played at the Gold City Sport Complex.
This will give the coach a good barometer to measure her team, especially against their European opponents and the South Americans as she will face nations from those continents in the World Cup group stages that will be held in Australia and New Zealand in July and August.
In the world’s showpiece tournament, Banyana will face Sweden, Argentina and Italy.
“Turkey might be worse ranked than us but they are a European side,” said Ellis at the SABC Sport Studios on Monday.
“Uzbekistan is from Asia, Venezuela is from South America, so there is a South American opponent.
“Sadly you can’t play all the teams you wanted because this is a tournament and this tournament we couldn’t ask for any better opposition but we are grateful for the oppositions we got.”
Goalkeepers:
Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Regirl Ngobeni, Katlego Moletsane
Defenders:
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Asanda Hadebe, Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Faith Owuso, Tiisetso Makhubela, Noko Matlou, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede
Midfielders:
Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Thalea Smidt, Robyn Moodaly, Amogelang Matau.
Strikers:
Noxolo Cesane, Gabriella Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Melinda Kgadiete, Nthabiseng Majiya, Hildah Magaia, Lelona Daweti
This is Banyana’s first camp this year since October’s friendly match in London, where they lost 4-1 to World Cup co-hosts Australia.
