By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has announced a 23-woman final squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
The much-awaited Women’s World Cup tournament will kick off from July 20 until August 20.
“We looked at a little bit of both, experience and youth. We tried to cover every eventuality with this squad,” Ellis said during the announcement.
Ellis also announced the three players who will be on standby. The three players are Nthabiseng Majiya, Amogelang Motau and Regirl Ngobeni.
Unfortunately, there are 10 players who were left out of the final squad are Asa Rabalao, Asande Hadebe, Cimone Sauls, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bambani Mbane, Thubelihle Shamase, Thalea Smidt, Nicole Michael, Sphumelele Shamase, Lelona Daweti and Ntombifikile Ndlovu.
This will be Banyana Banyana’s second World Cup in a row following their debut appearance in France in 2019, however, this time they go to the event as African champions.
South Africa has been drawn in Group G alongside third ranked Sweden, Italy and Argentina.
They open their tournament against the Swedes on 23 July at the Wellington Stadium before playing Argentina on 28 July, with their last group match against Italy taking place on 2 August.
Here is the final Banyana Banyana Squad.
Goalkeepers Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Kebotseng Moletsane, Defenders Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Noko Matlou, Bongeka Gamede Midfielders Kholosa Biyana, Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nomvula Kgoale, Robyn Moodaly Forwards Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana.
As part of their preparation, Banyana Banyana will play a friendly in New Zealand on 15 July against Costa Rica.