Banyana Banyana coach Des Ellis announced the 23-person team on Friday that would represent the nation at the Fifa Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand in July.
Ellis unveiled the team at a glittering ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest house in Tshwane. Zizi Kodwa, the minister of sports, arts, and culture, Dr. Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association, CEO Lydia Monyepao, Charlotte Mokoena, the executive vice president for human resources and stakeholder relations at Sasol, and other dignitaries were present.
The selection and preparation camp coach for Banyana Banyana commended her staff and players for the tremendous amount of effort they had produced over the previous several days.
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Ellis claimed that the process had not been simple and that selecting the final team and the three backup players had been difficult.
It has been a tough week,” she said.
“It might have not been easy for you as players but it was also not easy for me as the coach. If I could, I would have taken every one but unfortunately I can only take 23 players.
“Thank you for the hard work that each and every one of you has put in, and this is not the end of it.
“It still needs to continue and it will get more challenging from here because the World Cup stage is a different ball game.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the whole group of 36 players (in the preliminary squad) for their enthusiasm, commitment and competitiveness during this time.
“I would also like to thank the staff for always giving their best.”
“We would like to congratulate all the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana players who have been chosen to represent South Africa in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
” We want to thank you for your dedication and hard work throughout the selection camp.
“We worked hard in the past few months, and everyone has put their best foot forward to ensure that we are properly prepared for this adventure.
“I would want to appeal to my fellow 60 million South Africans to continue sending messages of support, since these give the players encouragement to do their best at the Women’s World Cup,” said Mokoena.
Alongside Zambia, Morocco, and Nigeria, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, who were sponsored by SASOL, will represent Africa at the international competition.
Banyana Banyana Final World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers
Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Kebotseng Moletsane (Royal AM)
Defenders
Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Fikile Magama (UWC)
Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Noko Matlou (SD Eibar)
Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Bongeka Gamede (UWC)
Midfielders
Kholosa Biyana (UWC)
Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo FC)
Sibulele Holweni (UWC)
Linda Mothalo (Glasgow City)
Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy)
Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
Forwards
Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC)
Jermaine Seoposenwe (C.F. Monterrey)
Noxolo Cesane (Unattached)
Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Wendy Shongwe (University of Pretoria)
Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportsoso)
Thembi Kgatlana (Racing Louisville)
Standby Players
Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies)
Amogelang Motau (UWC)
Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)