14 September 2017 – Banyana Banyana interim head coach Desiree Ellis has named her starting lineup for their first match of the 2017 COSAFA Women’s Championship currently underway in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team faces Lesotho this afternoon (Thursday, 14 September 2017).
Kickoff is at 14h00.
Ellis has made five changes to the team that faced France in Banyana Banyana’s one and only match in 2017.
Andile Dlamini retains her place in goals.
The rearguard also remains the same with the exception of debutant Regina Mogolola.
Mogolola will play alongside Bambanani Mbane in central defence, while Lebohang Ramalepe and Nothando Vilakazi will occupy the right back and left back positions respectively.
Vilakazi is on the brink of 100 caps as she makes her 99th appearance for Banyana Banyana when she walks onto the field against Lesotho – she could reach the milestone as early as Friday (15 September) when the South Africans take on Namibia in the second match of the tournament.
In the middle of the park, Ellis has gone for captain Refiloe Jane, Nwabisa Kolisi, Rachel Sebati and Leandra Smeda, while goals will be expected from forwards Chantelle Esau and Rhoda Mulaudzi.
The only survivors from Banyana Banyana’s last match are Dlamini, Ramalepe, Vilakazi, Mbane, Jane and Smeda.
Mogolola, Esau, Sebati, Kolisi and Mulaudzi take the places of Janine van Wyk, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Linda Motlhalo, Amanda Dlamini and Jermaine Seoposenwe who are not in the current squad.
South Africa is in Group C alongside, Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana.
**In the first match of the group, played on Wednesday, 13 September, Namibia defeated Botswana 4-0.
Banyana Banyana starting 11 vs Lesotho:
Andile Dlamini (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Regina Mogolola, Rachel Sebati, Nwabisa Kolisi, Bambanani Mbane, Refiloe Jane (C), Leandra Smeda, Rhoda Mulaudzi, Chantelle Esau
Subs:
Roxanne Barker (GK), Yolula Tsawe (GK), Noko Matlou, Zanele Nhlapo, Koketso Tlailane, Nkoikoi Mabina, Thembi Kgatlana, Kholosa Biyana, Nompumelelo Nyandeni
Interim Head Coach: Desiree Ellis