31 October 2019 – Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, has named a squad of 22 players to take on former World Champions Japan in an international friendly match scheduled for Sunday, 10 November 2019.

The match will be played at the Kitakyushu Stadium in Fukuoka, Japan.

Kickoff is at 05h45 South African time – Japan is seven hours ahead).

“This is a big test for us, more so because it comes at the back of a loss in the Olympic qualifiers. This is a great test of character for the players as we will be facing one of the most formidable sides in women’s football, who have won the World Cup,” said Ellis.

“We also haven’t played in a while but I am confident that with most players having featured for their clubs regularly, we will stand our ground. Once again a big thank you to SAFA and our sponsor Sasol for making this match happen – we are eternally grateful.”

Ellis has kept the bulk of the squad that did duty in Banyana Banyana’s last match – against Botswana in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers early in September.

The former Ellis has called up Nomvula Kgoale, who was last in the national team in the friendly match agaisnt the USA. Also returning are China-based Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo – the duo missed the Botswana clash, while Jessica Williams and Ongeziwe Ndlangisa also got the nod. Both were part of the pre-World Cup training squad.

There is only one new cap – Lelona Daweti who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. She has been capped in the U-17 and U-20 Women’s National Teams.

“This is a once-off game where you can’t make wholesale changes or bring in many new players but I believe we have selected the best available players we have, more so because some of those we wanted are busy with exams,” added Ellis.

Missing out are captain Janine van Wyk, who is still recovering from a knee injury – Italy-based Refiloe Jane will lead the team.

Also not travelling to the Far East are Hilda Magaia, Amanda Mthandi, Bongeka Gamede, Karabo Dhlamini and Sibulele Holweni who are all busy with exams.

This will be the second ever ever meeting between the two nations, and Ellis knows all too well that they are a very formidable side.

The first match was at the London Olympic Games in July 2012 in the group stages, and it ended in a goalless draw at Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

Some of the players from the current squad that was at that match include Robyn Moodaly, Nothando Vilakazi, Leandra Smeda, Noko Matlou, Refiloe Jane.

This is also a special game for Smeda who could be joining the 100-cap club that includes Janine van Wyk, Amanda Dlamini, Portia Modise, Mamello Makhabane, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Matloue and Jane.

Japan has invited Banyana Banyana as part of their practice as they will be hosting the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games – they have automally qualified.

The Games run from 24 July to 9 August.

The Asians are ranked 10thin the world, with Banyana Banyana coming in at 55.

Banyana Banyana Logistics:

  • Squad assembles on Tuesday, 5 November in Johannesburg
  • Travels the same day to Japan
  • 1ststop Hong Kong – in transit
  • Fly next day to Fukuoka
  • Train on 7th, 8th& 9th
  • Face Japan on the 10th
  • Practice match on the 11th
  • Fly out on the 12thback to South Africa

 

FIXTURE:                                  Japan vs. South Africa

DATE:                                        Sunday, 10 November 2019

VENUE:                                     Kitakyushu Stadium

Fukuoka, Japan

MATCH TITLE:                      International Friendly Match

KICK-OFF TIME:                   05h45 South African time – Japan is seven hours ahead

 

FACT FILE – JAPAN WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM:

.

BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD vs JAPAN

 

NAME AND SURNAME POSITION CLUB  LOCATION PROVINCE
1. Andile DLAMINI GK Mamelodi Sundowns FC Pretoria GAUTENG
2. Kaylin SWART GK UNATTACHED Johannesburg GAUTENG
3. Jessica WILLIAMS GK Spurs WFC Cape Town WESTERN CAPE
4. Lebogang RAMALEPE DF Ma- Indies FC Polokwane LIMPOPO
5. Bambanani MBANE DF Bloemfontein Celtic FC Bloemfontein FREE STATE
6.  Nothando VILAKAZI DF UNATTACHED Johannesburg GAUTENG
7. Tiisetso MAKHUBELA DF Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria GAUTENG
8. Noko Matlou DF 1st Touch Academy Polokwane LIMPOPO
9. Ongeziwe NDLANGISA DF Sunflower FC Durban KWA ZULU NATAL
10.  Leandra SMEDA MF Vittsjo GIK Sweden Sweden
11.Mamello MAKHABANE MF JVW FC Johannesburg GAUTENG
12. Busisiwe NDIMENI MF Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria GAUTENG
13. Refiloe JANE MF AC Milan Milan ITALY
14. Kholosa BIYANA MF University of Western Cape Cape Town WESTERN CAPE
15.  Linda MOTLHALO MF Beijing BG Phoenix FC Johannesburg GAUTENG
16.  Robyn MOODALY MF JVW FC Johannesburg GAUTENG
17. Noxolo CESANE MF University of Western Cape Cape Town WESTERN CAPE
18. Nomvula KGOALE MF Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria GAUTENG
19. Jermaine SEOPOSENWE FW UNATTACHED Lithuania LITHUANIA
20. Rhoda MULAUDZI FW Mamelodi Sundowns FC  Pretoria GAUTENG
21. Thembi KGATLANA FW Beijing BG Phoenix FC China CHINA
22. Lelona DAWETI FW Mamelodi Sundowns FC Pretoria GAUTENG