‘Excited’ Banyana coach Ellis announces squad for Buhari Cup

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is excited with the prospect of playing international football following her squad announcement ahead of the Aisha Buhari Cup in Nigeria this month.

ALSO READ: PSL referee Makalima jumps for joy after World Cup selection

Banyana have been drawn in Group B, alongside Ghana and Cameroon, while Group A sees hosts Nigeria, takin on Morocco and Mali.

“The Aisha Buhari Cup is now very important as it now allows us to play international football again. We have always asked Safa and Sasol to get us top opposition and we are very excited about this upcoming tournament,” Ellis was quoted on Safa.net.

‘’We know that Nigeria have been very active along with Morocco who have recently played Mali in two international friendly matches. Cameroon has a new coach who is preparing their team and my good friend coach Mercy is also getting Ghana ready for the tournament.

”With six of the continent’s best nations in womens football competing, Ellis sees this tournament similar to playing their Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.“It’s like a mini Awcon itself. It is an opportunity to test ourselves after having missed a lot of football over the last 18 months both locally and internationally,” she added.

“It’s also an opportunity to have a look at some of the overseas-based players that we have not seen since 2019 due to Covid-19 protocols and quarantine regulations in the countries where they are currently playing.”

Banyana squad for Buhari Cup:

Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Regirl Ngobeni (University of Western Cape)

Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk), Janine Van Wyk (Glasgow City), Tiisetso Makhubele (Tshwane University of Technology), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Bongeka Gamede (University of Western Cape), Koketso Tlailane (Tshwane University of Technology FC)

Midfielders: Ntombifikile Ndlovu (Sunflower FC), Ongeziwe Ndlangisa (Sunflower FC), Oratile Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Mamello Makhabane (JWV FC), Nomvula Kgoale (Tshwane University of Technology), Thembi Kgatlana (Atletico Madrid), Refiloe Jane (AC Milan), Linda Motlhalo (Djurgardens FC), Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC), Noxolo Cesane (University of Western Cape), Gabriela Salgado (JWV FC)

Forwards: Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sibulele Holweni (University of Western Cape, Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Hildah Magaia (Moron BK), Faya Mandisa (Lindelani Ladies), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies)