22 September 2018 –Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis has named an unchanged starting 11 to face Cameroon in the final of the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship that ends today (Saturday, 22 September 2018).
South Africa takes on the Central Africans in what is said to be the dream final of the tournament this afternoon at the Wolfson Stadium.
Kick off is at 12h00.
Ellis has announced the same squad that defeated Uganda 2-0 in the semifinals on Thursday, 20 September 2018.
Kaylin Swart remains in goals – her third match of the competition (Botswana, Uganda, Cameroon).
Captain Janine van Wyk will marshal the troops in the central defence alongside Noko Matlou, while Lebohang Ramalepe will occupy the right back position, and Nothando Vilakazi at the opposite end (left back).
Thembi Kgatlana and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana will be on the wings with Kholosa Biyana and Refiloe Jane joining forces in the heart of the midfield.
Jermaine Seoposenwe will be the lone striker, while Linda Motlhalo will be playing just behind her.
Ramalepe and Jane are the only two players who have played every minute of the tournament so far – the latter was wearing the captain’s armband when Banyana Banyana lifted the trophy in Zimbabwe last year.
Motlhalo, who is on four goals in the competition, stands a chance of walking away with the Golden Boot, but faces a stiff contest from compatriot Khanya Xesi (who starts on the bench in this match) as well as Cameroon’s Mpeh Bissong – both are on three goals each.
Breathing down their neck is Seoposenwe, who has scored two goals.
Banyana Banyana has won all their four matches – defeated Madagascar 2-1, beat Botswana 1-0, walloped Malawi 6-0 and brushed aside Uganda 2-0.
They have scored 11 goals and conceded only one.
*** IN THE EVENT OF A DRAW AFTER THE REGULATION 90 MINUTES, A PENALTY SHOOTOUT WILL ENSUE TO DETERMINE THE WINNER – THERE WILL BE NO EXTRA TIME PLAYED ***
Banyana Banyana IX vs Cameroon:
Kaylin Swart (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Noko Matlou, Janine Van Wyk (C), Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, Refiloe Jane, Kholosa Biyana, Jermaine Seoposenwe
Subs:
Andile Dlamini (GK), Roxanne Barker (GK), Regina Mogolola, Gabriela Salgado, Bambanani Mbane, Morifi Chuene, Thato Letsoso, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Khanya Xesi