New Banyana player looks for good start against Ghana

Looking at Desiree Ellis Banyana Banyana squad that is due to take on Ghana in their opening game of the Aisha Buhari Cup on Friday in Nigeria, the Banyana coach has called up a very experienced squad, with only one player who is new into the set-up.

ALSO READ: Banyana Banyana gearing up for Ghana clash

University of Western Cape’s goalkeeper Regirl Ngobeni, is the only new player in the team, which is filled with a lot of experience from skipper Janine van Wyk to the likes of Thembi Kgatlana, who have been with the senior national team for a number of years now.

Ngobeni made the squad in the absence of regular keeper Andile Dlamini, who is currently injured. But being in this team, the UWC shot-stopper is eager to be successful with Banyana at the tournament, and says they want to show everyone that they are African queens.

“It feels amazing, emotions are all over the place. I’m still trying to get my feet around it. But I’m very happy and excited, I’m looking to forward to learn as much as I can,” said the UWC shot-stopper.

“Its very inspiring (to be in the same team with players playing abroad), it shows that women’s football is growing in a good way. I mean, having a lot of players representing us abroad is very inspiring. I’m just inspired by being able to share the pitch with them, play with them and learn from them as well. We obviously expect to win to show that we are one of the African queens.”

Ngobeni might be new in the Banyana set-up, but she’s is familiar with being in the national team having played for Basetsana (national Under-17) and Bantwana (national Under-20).

“Playing in the junior national teams, you want to step up, and stepping up to this level (senior national women’s team), which is the highest level in our country. So now, since the national women’s league was introduced (Hollywoodbets Super League), we see a lot of players and this is where every woman footballer in the country wants to be at.”

Coming up against Ghana will be a huge test for Banyana, but with all the experience they have, the team should be able to fight for a victory.