South Africa’s senior women’s national team coach, Desiree Ellis, has announced her squad of 23 players who will face Senegal in two friendly international matches on May 31 and June 4, 2024. These fixtures are part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games and mark a significant moment as Ellis has made several changes to the lineup that faced Nigeria in the previous month.
One noticeable omission from the squad is Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, who was also absent for the match against the Super Falcons. Ellis has opted to include new faces and give opportunities to different players in the upcoming matches against Senegal.
Notable players missing on the list
Among the notable players who will not be featuring in the matches against Senegal are TS Galaxy Queens’ goalkeeper Nomvula Kgoale, Gabriela Salgado from JVW, team captain Refiloe Jane who is currently playing in Italy, veteran defender Noko Matlou stationed in Spain, and Jermaine Seoposenwe who plays her football in Mexico. The decision to leave out these experienced players suggests Ellis is exploring various options and looking to test the depth of her squad ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.
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The friendly matches against Senegal will provide an excellent opportunity for the selected players to showcase their talents and stake a claim for a spot in the final squad for the Olympic Games. Ellis will be closely monitoring the performances of the players and assessing how they fit into her plans for the upcoming tournament.
Over five returns to the squad
Goalkeeper Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy Queens), midfielder Mmabatho Mogale (JVW), defender Asanda Hadebe (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), and forwards Thubelihle Shamase (FC Gintra – Lithuania) and Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy Queens) are among the players returning.
Thembi Kgatlana is anticipated to lead the team in Jane’s absence.
Banyana Banyana, who missed out on the July/August Olympic Games this year, will use the two matches to get ready for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place during the summer.
The dates of the competition have not yet been revealed.
When South Africa and Senegal played each other in the 2012 WAFCON group stages in Equatorial Guinea, the African Champions prevailed 1-0 thanks to a strike from Andisiwe Mgcoyi.
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Banyana Banyana has already played four games in 2024. In the WAFCON qualifiers, they defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 and 3-0 before losing 1-0 and splitting the points in a goalless draw with Nigeria.
The team is anticipated to get together in Johannesburg on Monday, May 27.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Kaylin SWART (JVW), Katlego MOLETSANE (Royal AM), Dineo MAGAGULA (TS Galaxy)
Defenders:
Karabo DHLAMINI, Lebohang RAMALEPE, Asanda HADEBE, Bambanani Mbane, Tiisetso MAKHUBELA (All Mamelodi Sundowns), Fikile MAGAMA, Lonathemba MHLONGO (UWC)
Midfielders:
Bongeka GAMEDE, Sibulele HOLWENI, Amogelang MOTAU (All UWC), Linda MOTLHALO (Racing Louisville), Nonhlanhla MTHANDI, Kholosa BIYANA (All Mamelodi Sundowns), Mmabatho MOGALE (JVW)
Forwards:
Thubelihle SHAMASE (Gintra Universitetas), Nicole MICHAEL (TS Galaxy), Noxolo CESANE (UWC), Hildah MAGAIA, Sinoxolo CESANE (Mazatlan FC), Nthabiseng MAJIYA (Mamelodi Sundowns)
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As South Africa continues its preparations for the Paris Olympics, these matches against Senegal will serve as crucial tests for the team and give the players valuable game time and experience against tough opposition. It is an exciting time for women’s football in South Africa, and the national team will be looking to make a strong statement in these upcoming friendlies and build momentum heading into the prestigious Olympic Games.
