Desiree Ellis Has Named Her Squad To Face France
Van Wyk & Ellis
Banyana Banyana's interim head coach, Desiree Ellis, has named her squad for the upcoming international friendly against France on January 22. Read: Banyana To Face France South Africa's women will take on the French in Reunion, with their opponents currently sitting in third place in the FIFA Rankings, substantially higher than Banyana in 51st. In a statement ahead of the game, Ellis explained her selections, saying, "The focus was mainly on the players that did duty at the recent Sasol League National Championship where we saw many good players. With no immediate competition or tournament coming up for Banyana Banyana, it was important to introduce new players who will take the team forward. "We need to see how much depth we have as a country and there is no better time than now to start implementing that process. Watching some of them play at the national play-offs is way different compared to seeing them line up against the likes of France, in this way we are able to map our way forward." She did have something to point out to those who missed out on the squad though, adding, "This does not in any way mean that those who are not in the current squad are out of the picture, they still feature in the national team but we also have to look ahead to ensure we have a strong base for the future. "We know what most of these other players can do, so this is a perfect opportunity to check others. The door can never be closed on any anyone who still has something to offer the national team." The game will take place at 19h00 (SA time) in Saint-Denis. Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini - Mamelodi Sundowns Roxanne Barker – SC Heerenveen (Netherlands) Yolula Tsawe – Houston Dash (USA) Defenders: Nothando Vilakazi - Palace Super Falcons Fc Janine Van Wyk – JVW FC Noko Matlou - Ma-Indies Fc Bambanani Mbane - Bloemfontein Celtic Lebogang Mabatle - Tuks Lebohang Ramalepe - Ma-Indies Zenhle Chabaku - Bloemfontein Celtic Midfielders: Nompumelelo Nyandeni – JVW FC Leandra Smeda - UWC Ladies Thembi Kgatlana - UWC Ladies Refiloe Jane - Mamelodi Sundowns Linda Motlhalo – JVW FC Silindile Ngubane - Durban Ladies Gabriela Salgado – JVW FC Strikers: Rhoda Mulaudzi - Mamelodi Sundowns Andisiwe Mgcoyi - Mamelodi Sundowns Jermaine Seoposenwe - Samford University (USA) Shiwe Nogwanya - Bloemfontein Celtic Bontle Mashilo - TUT-Pretoria
