27 September 2021 – The South African Senior Women’s national football team has assembled in Gqeberha ahead of the COSAFA Women’s tournament scheduled to take place from 28 September – 9 October 2021.
Banyana Banyana who are the COSAFA Cup defending champions having won the competition for the past four Editions. They come into this COSAFA tournament in buoyant mood after winning the inaugural Aisha Buhari Invitational tournament in Nigeria.
Speaking about the team’s hectic schedule, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis who has her eyes set on the AWCON qualifiers said she was looking forward to this year’s COSAFA Cup tournament.
Janine Van Wyk will be the only overseas-based player who is part of the squad as the tournament falls outside the FIFA calendar and selection focuses on mainly locally-based players.
Coach Ellis said she will continue rotating her captains in a bid to grow a number of leaders within the team.
“The tournament takes place outside the FIFA calendar and our overseas players are not available, Janine was the only one available for selection as she is in the country,” said Ellis.
The team had their first training session on Monday afternoon as part of preparations for the opening game against Malawi on Tuesday, 28 September 2021 at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.
Banyana Banyana COSAFA Squad
GOALKEEPERS:
- Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
- Asa Rabalo (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
DEFENDERS:
- Karabo Makhurubetshi (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Tiisetso Makhubela (Tshwane University of Technology)
- Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Ongeziwe Ndlangisa (Sunflower FC)
- Janine Van Wyk (Glasgow City, Scotland)
- Salome Kekana (Tshwane University of Technology)
MIDFIELDERS:
- Mamello Makhabane (JVW FC)
- Oratile Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC)
- Noxolo Cesane (University of Western Cape)
- Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
- Sibulele Holweni (University of Western Cape)
FORWARDS
- Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Ntombifikile Ndlovu (Sunflower FC)
- Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (Bloemfontein Celtic FC)
- Nokwanda Zondi (Free State University)
- Mandisa Faya (Lindelani Ladies)
- Chabana Reitumetse (Bloemfontein Celtic)