![vmexsa logo [front]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyNTYwIDM5OCIgd2lkdGg9IjI1NjAiIGhlaWdodD0iMzk4IiBidi1pbWctdXJsPSJodHRwczovL3ZtZXguY28uemEvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjMvMDYvY3JvcHBlZC1jcm9wcGVkLWNyb3BwZWQtZnJvbnQtMS1zY2FsZWQud2VicCI+PC9zdmc+)
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced a 23-woman squad to represent South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ellis announced the squad at a glittering ceremony held at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest house in Tshwane on Friday.
The much-awaited Women’s World Cup tournament to be co-hosted in Australia and New Zealand will kick off from 20 July – 20 August 2023.
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.
The Banyana Banyana coach thanked her staff and players for the enormous amount of work they have delivered in the last few days during the selection ad preparation camp.
Ellis said the process has not been easy and taking the final decisions on the final team and the three standby players was tough.
“It has been a tough week. It might have not been easy for you as players but it was also not easy for me as the coach. If I could, I would have taken every one but unfortunately I can only take 23 players,” she said.
ALSO READ | ‘Downs tie down Rulani to a four-year ‘marriage’
Banyana open their World Cup campaign against Sweden in Group G before taking on Argentina and Italy.
BANYANA BANYANA FINAL FULL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Kebotseng Moletsane,
DEFENDERS
Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Noko Matlou, Bambani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede
MIDFIELDERS
Kholosa Biyana, Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nomvula Kgoale, Robyn Moodaly
FORWARDS
Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana.
