Five overseas-based stars join Banyana Banyana in Turkey

Banyana Banyana’s got a major boost ahead of the Turkish Women’s Cup with five foreign-based players jetting into Turkey to join the rest of the team.

16 of the local Banyana players selected for the Turkish Cup arrived in Turkey on Wednesday, 15 February.

SAFA confirmed the arrival of five overseas-based players in the Banyana camp in Antalya.

However, Mexican-based forward Jermaine Seoposenwe is expected to arrive in Turkey late on Thursday, 16 February.

WHICH OVERSEAS BANYANA BANYANA STARS HAVE ARRIVED?

“Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Noko Matlou, Noxolo Cesane and Hildah Magaia are now all in the camp after travelling from different parts of the world.

“Mexican-based Jermaine Seoposenwe is expected to join the rest of her national teammates later on Thursday,” said SAFA.

Going into the tournament, the African Champions will be without one of their star players, Thembi Kgatlana, who currently plays in the USA.

Kgatlana is currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon she suffered last year during the AWCON tournament in the group stages against Botswana.

During her first press conference, she did with her new US-based side, Racing Louisville. Kgatlana informed the media that she is expected to be fully fit and back on the pitch in April.

Even though her time for her full recovery is around the corner, the 26-year-old will be missed by Banyana.

As they are expected to start their journey in the Turkish Women’s Cup, which is expected to prepare them for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The World Cup is scheduled to start in July, with Australia and New Zealand as the host countries.

BANYANA FIXTURES FOR THE TURKISH WOMEN’S CUP

Banyana will first take on Uzbekistan on Saturday, 18 February. Followed by Slovenia on Tuesday, 21 February.

All two games will be played at the Emirhan Sports Complex, Turkey.

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