South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will play two friendliess ahead of the 2022 CAF Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers kicking off later this year.
South Africa Football Association (SAFA) website says Banyana Banyana will face Zambia and Botswana on Saturday, 10 April and Tuesday, 13 April 2021 respectively.
Both matches will take place at Bidvest Wits Stadium in Milpark, Johannesburg.
Banyana Banyana has since started camp training on Monday, 5 April, according to Safa.
South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has called up 26 players with the exception of some overseas-based players due to COVID-19 restrictions.
However, Spain-based Thembi Kgatlana, Noko Matlou and Amanda Mthandi will be available for the clashes.
“We have a programme for the year that we need to stick to, to ensure that we are ready for our qualifiers once the draw comes out. The past year has been very difficult for us with no football permitted to play, but we need to look forward and ensure that we reach our goals,” SAFA website quotes Ellis saying.
“We are still faced with challenges due to the pandemic but we cannot let that demoralise us. We had called up some of our playing plying their trade abroad, but they could not be released for these friendly matches due to Covid-19 restrictions. We have to soldier on and perhaps start planning around a few locally based players to stabilise the team.”
Full call-up:
GOALKEEPERS
- Andile DLAMINI (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Kaylin SWART (JVW FC)
- Mapaseka MPURU (University of Pretoria)
- Jessica WILLIAMS Spurs WFC WESTERN CAPE
DEFENDERS - Kaylyn JORDAAN Spurs WFC WESTERN CAPE
- Karabo MAKHURUBETSHI Mamelodi Sundowns FC GAUTENG
- Tiisetso MAKHUBELA Tshwane University of Technology-PTA GAUTENG
- Noko MATLOU SD Eibar SPAIN
- Bambanani MBANE (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Ongeziwe NDLANGISA (Sunflower FC)
- Bongeka GAMEDE (University of Western Cape)
- Koketso TLAILANE (Tshwane University of Technology)
- Xiluva TSHABALALA (Ma-Indies FC)
- 14.Mamello MAKHABANE( JVW)
- Robyn MOODALY (JVW FC)
- Nomvula KGOALE (Tshwane University of Technology)
- Oratile MOKWENA (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Noxolo CESANE (University of Western Cape)
- Gabriela SALGADO (JWV FC)
- Nonhlanhla MTHANI (Mamelodi Sundowns)
FORWARDS - Thembi KGATLANA (SD EIBAR SPAIN)
- Amanda MTHANDI (CD Badajoz SPAIN)
- Sibulele HOLWENI (University of Western Cape)
- Kgaelebane MOHLAKOANA (Bloemfontein Celtic)
- Ntomibifikile NDLOVU (Sunflower FC)
- Lonathemba MHLONGO (Durban Ladies)