2 May 2023 – Banyana Banyana have assembled in a camp for local-based players in Johannesburg this week as coach Desiree Ellis continues with her preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in July.
Ellis said the camp will give all the players an opportunity to put their hands up and show what they can do in the coming days.
“The last camp we had, when we had that extra week, it really, really helped us. It helped us in terms of getting our defensive structure better. Obviously this is another opportunity now to work on maybe our set-pieces as well because this is sometimes a challenge for us, you know. A week might not seem a lot but it’s a lot in terms of what we can achieve, considering how we grew in the last camp a week before the FIFA date,” she told www.www.safa.net.
Ellis said the camp is a huge opportunity for the players in camp to impress and stake their claim to places in the World Cup-bound final team.
“It is a big opportunity for players that are in camp because obviously they have a foot in, but the door is never closed to anyone and it can only be closed once the final squad has been announced. It has been proven over the last couple of years when players came in just before the WAFCON squad was selected, and made the final team. So everybody needs to put in their best performances and best effort because that is what is we’re looking.
Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship Nozipho Mbatha expressed her excitement about the Banyana Banyana selection camp and wished the team well.
“We would like to wish all the players who have been chosen to be a part of the Banyana Banyana selection camp the best of luck. We believe that every player is excited to bring their A-Game as this may open a world of opportunities, and they could potentially be selected to represent South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“As Sasol we would like to encourage all the players to put their best foot forward during this period and gain much intelligence from the coaching staff as they pursue to live the impossible.”
Banyana Banyana Training Camp Squad
Goalkeepers
- Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
- Regirl Ngobeni (UWC FC)
- Katlego Moletsane (Royal AM FC)
Defenders
- Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower FC)
- Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Fikile Magama (UWC FC)
- Cimone Sauls (JVW FC)
- Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC FC)
- Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Bongeka Gamede (UWC FC)
Midfielders
- Thubelihle Shamase (UJ FC)
- Thalea Smidt (Tuks FC)
- Nomfundo Buthelezi (Durban Ladies)
- Sibulele Holweni (UWC FC)
- Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy FC)
- Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
- Amogelang Motau (UWC FC)
Forwards
- Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy FC)
- Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC)
- Sphumelele Shamase (UJ FC)
- Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies FC)
- Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Wendy Shongwe (Tuks FC)