South Africa: Banyana Banyana Stars Miss Out On American Tour

6 September 2023
Scrolla (Johannesburg)
By Michael Madyira

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis named a slightly tweaked squad for the upcoming international friendlies against the USA.

South Africa will take on The Stars and Stripes at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium on 21 September before a match at Soldier Field in Chicago three days later.

Only two changes have been made by Ellis from the side that went to the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.

Captain Refiloe Jane and defender Bambanani Mbane will not make the travelling squad as they are both nursing injuries picked up at the World Cup.

USA-based Noxolo Cesane and Lonathemba Mhlongo have been called up to replace those battling with fitness issues.

Familiar faces like Thembi Kgatklana, Jermaine Seoposenwe, goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, Linda Motlhalo, Hildah Magaia and Melinda Kgadiete feature in Ellis' selection.

The tour of the USA is significant as hosts' star Megan Rapinoe will play the Chicago match as her final game before she retires from international football.

The 38-year-old two-time World Cup winner is set to bow out with a staggering 203 national team caps.

This will be the third time South Africa faces the Americans, with the two sides having previously met in 2016 and 2019.

Both were friendlies in preparation for the Rio Olympic Games and the World Cup in France.

Banyana lost both games, first succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at Soldier Field in 2016 before losing 3-0 in California.

BANYANA SQUAD:

GOALKEEPERS: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Kebotseng Moletsane

DEFENDERS: Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Noko Matlou, Bongeka Gamede, Lonathemba Mhlongo

MIDFIELDERS: Kholosa Biyana, Sinoxolo Cesane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nomvula Kgoale, Robyn Moodaly

FORWARDS: Jermaine Seoposenwe, Thembi Kgatlana, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Gabriela Salgado

 

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