15 September 2017 – Banyana Banyana interim head coach Desiree Ellis has made four changes to the squad that will face Namibia in the second group stages match of the 2017 COSAFA Women’s Championship.
South Africa and Namibia lock horns this afternoon (Friday, 15 September) at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Kickoff is at 16h30.
The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 win over Lesotho on Thursday (14 September).
In a strategic move, Ellis has opted for Roxanne Barker in goals ahead of Andile Dlamini who did not have much to do against Lesotho.
The rearguard remains the same with Bambanani Mbane and Regina Mogolola in central defence, while Lebohang Ramalepe and Nothando Vilakazi will operate at right back and left back respectively.
With this match, Vilakazi joins an elite group of players who have made a century of appearances for Banyana Banyana – Portia Modise, Janine van Wyk, Noko Matlou, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Amanda Dlamini.
Nyandeni and Matlou are part of the current squad and will start from the bench.
The middle of the park has also seen some changes – captain Refiloe Jane retains her place, so does Leandra Smeda, who scored the opening goal against Lesotho.
Kholosa Biyana gets a start in place of Rachel Sebati, while Koketso Tlailane comes in for Nwabisa Kolisi.
Upfront, Thembi Kgatlana takes the place of Rhoda Mulaudzi, and will play alongside Chantelle Esau.
Kgatlana and Esau scored Banyana Banyana’s two other goals against Lesotho.
Banyana Banyana starting 11 vs Namibia:
Roxanne Barker (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Regina Mogolola, Kholosa Biyana, Koketso Tlailane, Bambanani Mbane, Refiloe Jane (C), Leandra Smeda, Thembi Kgatlana, Chantelle Esau
Subs:
Andile Dlamini, (GK), Yolula Tsawe (GK), Noko Matlou, Zanele Nhlapo, Nwabisa Kolisi, Nkoikoi Mabina, Rachel Sebati, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Rhoda Mulaudzi
Interim Head Coach: Desiree Ellis