WeeklySA_AdminFIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: SEND-OFF MATCH AGAINST BOTSWANA ON SUNDAY
By Ali Mphaki
Banyana Banyana will face Botswana in a friendly international to be played at Tsakane Stadium, in the East Rand, on Sunday.
The match will be used as a send-off for the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team as they prepare to travel to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next month. Entry into the stadium will be free and complimentary tickets have been made available to the public at the venue from Thursday (29 June 2023).
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis announced her final 23-member FIFA Women’s World Cup-bound squad at a glittering ceremony held at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest house in Tshwane last Friday (23 June 2023).
The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be co-hosted in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 – August 20 , and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions are amongst the four African nations that will represent the continent at the global showpiece alongside Zambia, Morocco and Nigeria.
“We just want to thank the Football Association getting us a send-off match. We know it has been a difficult task, we are really grateful and we ask the fans to come out in their numbers to support this team and to give us a fantastic send-off. We look forward to playing the match and we thank Botswana as well for coming forward to play this send-off match. It’s a huge match for us, the last match before we leave the shores of South Africa. We really want to put up a good performance and again we urge the fans to come out and really give us a fantastic send-off,” Ellis told www.safa.net .
Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand & Sponsorships at Sasol, shared her excitement about Banyana Banyana playing their final friendly game on home soil, against South Africa’s neighbours, Botswana, as part of the preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“As the leading enabler of women’s football in South Africa, Sasol wants to ensure that the players have opportunities to prepare adequately for the various tournaments, including the upcoming Women’s World Cup. We believe that the encounter against Botswana will help the players gauge their readiness and know what to still work on before they depart for Australia and New Zealand. We know that Sasol is not alone in our support for Banyana Banyana, as this team carries the hopes and dreams of 60 million South Africans. We invite all South Africans to come out and support Banyana Banyana at the stadium and remember, your support gives them the energy to perform.”
Banyana Banyana Final World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers
Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Kebotseng Moletsane (Royal AM)
Defenders
Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Fikile Magama (UWC)
Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Noko Matlou (SD Eibar)
Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Bongeka Gamede (UWC)
Midfielders
Kholosa Biyana (UWC)
Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo FC)
Sibulele Holweni (UWC)
Linda Mothalo (Glasgow City)
Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy)
Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
Forwards
Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC)
Jermaine Seoposenwe (C.F. Monterrey)
Noxolo Cesane (Unattached)
Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Wendy Shongwe (University of Pretoria)
Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportsoso)
Thembi Kgatlana (Racing Louisville)
Standby Players
Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies)
Amogelang Motau (UWC)
Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)
