By Micheal Madyira
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has pinned her hopes on experienced players for the crunch 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers against Nigeria.
South Africa take on the Super Falcons away on Friday in the first leg of this final qualifying round, before hosting the West Africans at Loftus Versfeld four days later.
Ellis has named her 24-member squad, dominated by players who have been with the team for several years now, some participating at the 2016 Olympics, as well as the 2019 and 2023 Fifa World Cup finals.
“We have to select a squad that we think will do the job, a squad that if anything happens we think we have the players in the group, and that informed our decisions,” the Banyana coach told Safa media.
Boosting Ellis’s squad ahead of facing Nigeria, who have traditionally challenged them, is the return of captain Refiloe Jane who last turned out for Banyana at the 2023 World Cup.
Also back is midfielder Sibulele Holweni who was injured at the World Cup as well.
Defenders Bambanani Mbane and Bongeka Gamede are also back after missing the previous Olympics qualifying rounds against DR Congo and Tanzania.
“There is one thing that you can never buy and that is experience,” Ellis added. “But experience only helps when it adds value. If experience doesn’t add value, then it’s just experience.
“They have been there in tough situations and when things were not okay they stood up — but we also have the enthusiasm of the youth and that’s what we needed to get the mix right.”
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper Andile Dlamini is unavailable for medical reasons, paving the way for University of Western Cape custodian Regirl Ncobeni to be drafted in.
Local-based players have been at the final camp since last Tuesday and are expected to leave for Nigeria on Sunday.
Overseas players are scheduled to join them in the West African country.
The winner between the Super Falcons and Banyana will be in Group C at the Olympics alongside world champions Spain, Brazil and Japan.
Banyana full quad:
Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Regril Ncobeni, Katlego Moletsane
Defenders: Bambanani Mbane, Noko Matlou, Bongeka Gamede, Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Tiisetso Makhubela, Lonathemba Mhlongo
Midfielders: Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Sinoxolo Cesane, Nomvula Kgoale, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Amogelang Motau
Forwards: Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, Gabriela Salgado, Noxolo Cesane, Nthabiseng Majiya.
Pictured above: Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis
Image source: Banyana Banyana
