Banana Banyana ready for Africa Womens Cup of Nations
Banyana Banyana will represent the country when they journey to the Africa Womens’ Cup of Nations (AWCON) taking place in Morocco from July 2 to 22.
The ladies recently landed in Casablanca on Wednesday afternoon after leaving O.R Tambo International Airport a day earlier.
The final squad was confirmed by coach Desiree Ellis on Monday, June 20, in a press conference.
The Banyana Banyana coach said selecting the final squad for the tournament was a difficult task for the technical team.
“I want to start off by giving a big thank to the coaches out there for the fantastic job that they have done since the leagues have started,” said Ellis.
“We had a good week and a half and with many of the overseas based players joining us, many have stepped up. We had a good mix of youth and experience for the past week and half.”
Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship Manager, expressed her excitement about Banyana Banyana representing the country in the AWCON.
“I congratulate each player called up for this significant national duty. We have seen how these ladies have worked hard during their campaign to qualify for this important tournament, and each selected player deserves to be part of the squad,” she said.
In addition to the selected players, Coach Ellis has also announced three players who will be on a standby list.
Sports and Recreation minister Nathi Mthethwa, joined South Africans in wishing the team well on their journey to North Africa.
“We want to express our gratitude to all the players and coaches for their dedication, diligence, and consistency throughout the league. We are so proud of you and wish you well as you take on Nigeria, Burundi, and Botswana in the first round. We are confident that you will proceed further in the tournament.
“Remember a passionate football loving nation will be watching and supporting you back home. We are confident that you will give of your best in this tournament and take your most deserved place in the FIFA World Cup in 2023,” he said.
Ten million incentive in store
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan and CEO Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe addressing Banyana Banyana players and members of the Media ahead of the team’s departure.
In their show for support for the national women’s team, SAFA has pledged R10 million bonus if the trophy comes to Mzansi.
The players will each receive R400 000 if they win the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“We are going to pay R9,2 million in bonuses for this team on the basis that they win the AWCON. So if they win Awcon we will pay R9,2m. If you look at the other costs, in other words our total investment in this team for specifically this Awcon, it is R10 million,” said Dr Jordaan.
Banyana Banyana Final Squad
GOALKEEPERS:
Andile Dlamini
Kaylin Swart
Regirl Ngobeni
DEFENDERS:
Karabo Dhlamini
Lebohang Ramalepe
Janine Van Wyk
Bambanani Mbane
Bongeka Gamede
Noko Matlou
MIDFIELDERS:
Refiloe Jane
Nomvula Kgoale
Linda Motlhalo
Thalea Smidt
Kholosa Biyana
Amogelang Motau
Robyn Moodaly
Sibulele Holweni
FORWARDS:
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Melinda Kgadiete
Noxolo Cesane
Nthabiseng Majiya
Thembi Kgatlana
Hildah Magaia
Standby players:
Kebotseng Moletsane
Tiisetso Makhubela
Thubelihle Shamase