24 February 2018 – The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have safely arrived at their hotel in Cyprus, and wasted no time by having a training session late in the afternoon.
The South African Senior Women’s National Team is in the country to participate in the annual Cyprus Women’s Cup, which features 12 teams from around the world – mainly Europe.
South Africa travelled with 19 players instead of the 21 called up.
Midfielder Kholosa Biyana from the University of KZN due to an injury, and Zanele Nhlapho has taken her place. Due to the late call-up she was unable to join the squad, but is expected in Cyprus on Sunday morning (25 February 2018).
Nhlapho was part of the team that was called up for the international friendly match against Sweden last month in Cape Town.
The other player is goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who is flying in from the USA – she will also be in Cyprus on Sunday.
Also joining the team in Cyprus will be U20 Men’s National Team head coach Thabo Senong, who was in Holland for a coaching course.
Senong and U17 Men’s National Team head coach, Molefi Ntseki, will work as technical advisers to newly appointed Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis during the Cyprus Cup.
Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group C alongside Hungary, Slovakia as well as Korea DPR.
Banyana Banyana, who are the only side from the African continent, will be making their sixth appearance.
The tournament runs from 26 February to 7 March 2018.
This is the 11th edition of the Cyprus Women’s Cup, which has been taking place since 2008.
Banyana Banyana will face Slovakia in their opening match to be played on Wednesday, 28 February.
Kickoff is at 13h00.
South Africa will next take on Hungary on Friday, 2 March at 18h00.
In the last group stage clash, Banyana Banyana will lock horns with Korea DPR (they replaced Trinidad & Tobago who withdraw from the tournament) on Monday, 5 March at 13h00.
PARTICIPATING NATIONS – 2018 Cyprus Women’s Cup:
Group A: Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Wales
Group B: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Spain
Group C: Hungary, Slovakia, South Africa, Korea DPR
BANYANA BANYANA FIXTURES AT THE 2018 CYPRUS WOMEN’S CUP
Wednesday, 28 February:
Slovakia vs South Africa
13h00
Friday, 2 March:
South Africa vs Hungary
18h00
Monday, 5 March:
South Africa vs Trinidad & Tobago
13h00
South African Senior Women’s National Team – CYPRUS WOMENS CUP 2018
Goalkeepers
| 1. ANDILE DLAMINI | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | Pretoria |
| 2. KAYLIN SWART | Menlo College | USA |
| 3. ROXANNE BARKER | Cape Town Roses | Cape Town |
Defenders
| 4. LEBOGANG RAMALEPE | Maindis FC | Polokwane |
| 5. NOTHANDO VILAKAZI | Palace Super Falcons FC | Johannesburg |
| 6. JANINE VAN WYK (C) | Houston Dash | USA |
| 7. NOKO MATLOU | Maindis FC | Polokwane |
| 8. BAMBANANI MBANE | Bloemfontein Celtic | Bloemfontein |
| 9. REGINA MOGOLOLA | TUKS | Pretoria |
Midfielders
| 10. ZANELE NHLAPHO | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS | Johannesburg |
| 11. KGAELEBANE MOHLAKOANA | Bloemfontein Celtic | Bloemfontein |
| 12. RACHEL SEBATI | TUT-PTA | Pretoria |
| 13. THEMBI KGATLANA | UWC Ladies | Cape Town |
| 14. LINDA MOTLHALO | Houston Dash | USA |
| 15. REFILOE JANE | TUT-PTA | Pretoria |
| 16. LEANDRA SMEDA | UWC Ladies | Cape Town |
| 17. NOMPUMELELO NYANDENI | JVW FC | Johannesburg |
Forwards/ Strikers
| 18. JERMAINE SEOPOSENWE | Samford University | USA |
| 19. MELINDA KGADIETE | Bloemfontein Celtic | Bloemfontein |
| 20. CHANTELLE ESAU | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | Pretoria |
| 21. SDUDUZO DLAMINI | Sunflower FC | Kwa-Zulu Natal |