By Michael Madyira
Former Banyana Banyana captain and defender Janine van Wyk has warned against coach Desiree Ellis throwing new players in at the deep end.
After failing to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games, Banyana have gone back to the drawing board with their next target now to defend the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.
To stay in shape before the tournament, whose dates are yet to be finalised by CAF, South Africa is set to play back-to-back international friendly matches against Senegal on 31 May and 4 June.
Ellis has included upcoming players in her squad with new faces goalkeeper Dineo Magagula and defenders Lonathemba Mhlongo and Asanda Hadebe.
Mmabatho Mogale and Nicole Michael are also fairly new to the team and Van Wyk wants it to remain that way, introducing new blood gradually.
“There are some new faces that are coming in,” Van Wyk told Scrolla.Africa.
“So I think it’s important that a slow transition happens, after not qualifying for a major tournament. When you change the entire team you are going to lose a lot of experience in your squad.”
She said the coaches would be using the upcoming friendlies against Senegal to test new players that are coming into the set-up.
“By the time the next major tournament comes, the team will have changed slightly.”
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Thubelihle Shamase, 19-year-old forward Ntabiseng Majiya and Amogelang Motau are returning to the national side
Senegal are ranked 11th in Africa while Ellis’ girls are second on the continent but Van Wyk still considers the West Africans as very competitive.
“I think it’s important to continue playing strong opponents like Senegal who have been one of the strongest teams in Africa,” said the former South Africa skipper.
“I don’t think Banyana should take this friendly lightly, especially after failing to qualify for the Olympics. They are preparing to play at Wafcon so it’s important to play these friendlies to continue the momentum going into that tournament.”
Ellis’ squad for the Senegal match is missing seasoned campaigners like Thembi Kgatlana, captain Refiloe Jane, Noko Matlou and Jermaine Seoposenwe.
Pictured above: Banyana Banyana players
Image source: Fifa
