Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has explained her decision to omit regular national team players from the upcoming back-to-back friendlies against Lesotho, set to take place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium later this month.
The two friendlies are part of Banyana Banyana's preparations for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco.
Banyana Banyana have been drawn into a challenging Group alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania, and will be seeking to claim the title for a second time.
Ellis and her charges will be eager to return to winning ways after a disappointing mini-tour of Europe last year, where they failed to beat England and Denmark. Furthermore, they also suffered defeats in two friendly matches against Jamaica in December.
Banyana Banyana will face Lesotho in two international friendly matches on 22 and 25 February as they continue preparing for the 2025 WAFCON@SasolinSport @Shield_ZA pic.twitter.com/fYxncNerzY
Ellis surprised many on Thursday after naming a squad comprising mostly young players, with several experienced players notably missing from the selection.
The WAFCON-winning coach emphasized the need to build depth, stating that she wants to assess what the selected group of players can bring to the squad.
“We are always watching players and have been impressed with the group we have called in for these two matches. As you see some are from the COSAFA Championships played last year," Ellis said.
"Some are currently part of the U17 National Team and will have an opportunity to learn from the senior team while they prepare for their World Cup qualifiers.
"We want to see what the following players will bring to the team. We want them to showcase themselves and fight for a spot in the senior team”. she concluded.
Full Banyana squad:
Defenders: Ntando Phahla (University of Pretoria), Portia Masilela (University of Johannesburg), Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC), Yomelelo Jacobs (TS Galaxy), Sikelelwa Mhlanga (City Lads FC), Unathi Simayile (University of the Western Cape), Yolanda Nduil (University of Johannesburg)
Midfielders: Okuhle Sithole (Durban Ladies FC), Mmabatho Mogale (Currently not announced), Nondumiso Manengela (University of the Western Cape), Isabella Ludwig (Currently not announced), Katlego Malebana (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sibongile Ntoane (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC), Thato Mofolo, Adrielle MIBE (both University of Johannesburg), Kesha Hndricks (University of Fort Hare)
Forwards: Katlego Mohale, Tanna Hollis (both JVW FC) Kwezi Khoza (Durban Ladies FC), Tshegofatso Motlogelwa (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC) Mavis Maiacane (Super Strikers FC), Nobahle Mdelwa (University of Johannesburg)
Goalkeeper Specialised Camp: Jessica Williams (Badgers FC), Casey Gordon(JVW FC), Asa Rabalao, Mbali Ntimeni (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Matshidiso Masebe (University of Johannesburg), Katlego Moletsane, Siphesihle Dlamini (both University of the Western Cape), Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy).
IOL Sport