5 March 2018 – Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, has announced her starting eleven to face Korea DPR in the top of the table clash in Group C of the Cyprus Women’s Cup currently underway.

Both teams haven’t lost a match in the tournament with the Asians leading the pack with six points, while South Africa is second with four points. Ellis has made four changes to the team that defeated Hungary in the last fixture of the competition.

Kaylin Swart gets nod in goals – and she becomes the third goalkeeper to start in the tournament.

Andile Dlamini kept goals in the opening match against Slovakia, with Roxanne Barker coming in for the Hungary encounter.

The defence has also been altered with the central pairing captain Janine van Wyk and Bambanani Mbane starting their third match in a row, while Regina Moholola has been preferred at right back and Leandra Smeda returns to the starting eleven, but makes a positional switch and starts at left back.

This is Moholola’s first game in the tournament as she takes the place of Lebohang Ramalepe, with Smeda replacing Nothando Vilakazi.

Vice captain Refiloe Jane will again work alongside Rachel Sebati in the middle of the park and will be assisted by Kgaelebane Mohlakoana and Thembi Kgatlana on the wings.

Linda Motlhalo returns to the starting line-up after she missed out on the Hungary game, and will be playing just behind lone striker Melinda Kgadiete.

Motlhalo is coming in for Sduduzo Dlamini.

“It was important to get some fresh legs for this match because we are playing three games in six days, something the players are not accustomed to. And also, we are here to prepare the squad for the hectic 2018 full of qualifiers and we want to give everybody a chance so that we know going forward that any player we call upon to play will be ready, and not rusty from sitting on the bench,” said Ellis.

“We have another match coming up on Wednesday, in total it will be four games in eight days and that can take it’s toll on the body, so rotating the squad a bit will keep the players energetic and fresh. We also had to see what the opposition is all about and employ the right personnel for the job.”

Only three players are yet to step on the field – defenders Noko Matlou and Zanele Nhlapho as well as midfielder Mpumelelo Nyandeni.

South Africa and Korea DPR lock horns this afternoon (Monday, 5 March 2018).

Kickoff is at 13h00.

In the other Group C clash, Slovakia takes on Hungary at 18h00. Slovakia have one point from the tournament, while Hungary are still to gather points.

  • A win for South Africa will see them topple Korea DPR and jump to seven points and fight for third and fourth position
  • With a draw, Banyana Banyana will remain second and fight for position five or six
  • If South Africa loses and Slovakia scores more goals and beat Hungary, Banyana Banyana will drop to third spot and will fight for position nine or 10, with Slovakia moving to second place.

 

Banyana Banyana starting 11 vs Korea DPR:

Kaylin Swart (GK), Regina Moholola, Leandra Smeda, Bambanani Mbane, Janine van Wyk (c), Refiloe Jane, Rachel Sebati, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, Melinda Kgadiete, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana

Subs:

Andile Dlamini (GK), Roxanne Barker (GK), Nothando Vilakazi, Noko Matlou, Zanele Nhlapho, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Sduduzo Dlamini, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Lebohang Ramalepe, Chantelle Esau

Coach: Desiree Ellis

 

Korea DPR squad:

Kim Namhui, Kim Yunmi, Ju Hyosim, Ri Kyonghyang, Kim Unha, Kim Myongsun, Ri Unyong, Kim Phyonghwa, Wi Jongsim, Ri Hyangsim, Son Okju, Sung Hyangsim, Ri Hae Yon, Yu Jong Im, Kim Un Hwa, Paek Yong Hui, Kim Jong Sim