Ellis names strong Banyana squad for Serbia clash

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named a very strong squad that will face Serbia in a Fifa Women’s World Cup preparation match next month.

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Ellis called almost all of her tried and tested players for this friendly international match, as Banyana coach continues to prepare for the World Cup, which will be staged in Australia and New Zealand later this year.

Thembi Kgatlana will miss the clash as she is still working on her way back to full fitness after her injury at the last year’s Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon). Another noticeable absentee in the squad is Janine van Wyk, who failed to make the squad.

Ellis believes the players selected will do the job for her.

“We believe in our players, we believe in what we are trying to do because we want to make sure that we are ready for the World Cup. The players know what is at stake and we selected them knowing very well that they will be up for the challenge,” said Ellis.

“It is a very strong squad and when going to big competitions you need consistency. The players know each other very well and they are working really hard to get things right.”

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Banyana and Serbia will lock horns on 10 April, a clash Ellis is expecting to be very competitive for her charges since the Serbians were able to beat Germany during the World Cup qualifiers and they will also be playing at home.

“It will be a good test for us, they are a good team and games like this are what we need when preparing for the Word Cup.”

Banyana are expected to depart for Serbia on 6 April.

Full Banyana squad:

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Regirl Ngobeni

Defenders: Karabo Dlhamini, Fikile Magama, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Noko Matlou, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede

Midfielders: Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Nomvula Kgoale, Robbyn Mooday

Forwards: Noxolo Cesane, Gabriela Salgado, Sphumelele Shamase, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hilda Magaia, Lelona Daweti, Nthabiseng Majiya, Wendy Shongwe