Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced the final list of players to face Serbia in an away friendly international next Monday.
The SASOL-sponsored South African senior women’s national team will face the Serbians as part of Ellis’ preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand in July.
The coach announced a preliminary squad of 32 players almost two weeks ago and has trimmed the list to 23 players ahead of the departure to Europe.
Ellis said the Serbians will give the reigning African champions the kind of test they need as she continues to fine-tune her side ahead of the global tournament.
“Serbia beat Russia recently and Russia beat them as well. They are very physical and technically they are very good,” said the coach.
‘They are also very quick, which will challenge our defense, and that is what we want. They have a lot of wing play and a lot of combination play, and that is what we want. We will know it is going to be similar against Sweden, with the wing play and the height upfront. So we have got to make sure that we are organised.”
Banyana Banyana were drawn against Sweden, Italy and Argentina in Group G in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol, congratulated the players selected to represent South Africa in the international friendly match against Serbia.
“On behalf of Sasol, we would like to send our well wishes to the ladies who have been selected to represent our country. We are pleased to see Sasol League players being called up to the national team,” she said. “We remain hopeful and wish the team success, as this is an important match leading up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. We believe in Banyana Banyana and know that each player will rise to the occasion as we face a highly competitive Serbian team. This is the moment for Banyana Banyana to once again live the impossible and fly the country’s flag high.”
The local-based players have been in camp in Johannesburg since Monday, 27 March 2023 and will depart for Serbia on April 6. They will link up with the overseas-based contingent in Europe next week.
The full Banyana Banyana Squad to take on Serbia in an international friendly on Monday, 10 April;
Goalkeepers:
Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC)
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Regirl Ngobeni (UWC FC)
Defenders:
Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC)
Fikile Magama (UWC FC)
Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC FC)
Noko Matlou (Eibar FC)
Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Bongeka Gamede (UWC FC)
Midfielders:
Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo FC)
Sibulele Holweni (UWC FC)
Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow FC)
Kholosa Biyana (UWC FC)
Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy Queens)
Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
Forwards:
Noxolo Cesane (Tigres Femenil)
Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC)
Sphumelele Shamase (UJ FC)
Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juárez)
Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies FC)
Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto)
Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC)
Wendy Shongwe ( Tuks FC)
