Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced the final list of players to face Serbia in an away friendly international next month.
The SASOL-sponsored South African senior women’s national team will face the Serbians on 10 April and the match is part of Ellis’ preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand in July.
Ellis announced a preliminary squad of 32 players almost two weeks ago and has trimmed the list to 23 players ahead of the departure to Europe.
She said the Serbians will give the reigning African champions the kind of test they need as she continues to fine-tune her side ahead of the global tournament.
“Serbia beat Russia recently and Russia beat them as well. They are very physical and technically they are very good,” said the coach.
“They are also very quick, which will challenge our defense, and that is what we want. They have a lot of wing play and a lot of combination play, and that is what we want. We will know it is going to be similar against Sweden, with the wing play and the height upfront. So we have got to make sure that we are organised.”
Banyana Banyana were drawn against Sweden, Italy and Argentina in Group G in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The local-based players have been in camp in Johannesburg since Monday and will depart for Serbia on April 6. They will link up with the overseas-based contingent in Europe next week.
The full Banyana Banyana squad:
Goalkeepers:
Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC)
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Regirl Ngobeni (UWC FC)
Defenders:
Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC)
Fikile Magama (UWC FC)
Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC FC)
Noko Matlou (Eibar FC)
Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Bongeka Gamede (UWC FC)
Midfielders:
Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo FC)
Sibulele Holweni (UWC FC)
Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow FC)
Kholosa Biyana (UWC FC)
Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy Queens)
Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
Forwards:
Noxolo Cesane (Tigres Femenil)
Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC)
Sphumelele Shamase (UJ FC)
Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juárez)
Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies FC)
Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto)
Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC)
Wendy Shongwe ( Tuks FC)