Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has explained how she picked the perfect squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Elllis announced the final 23-member squad set to represent South Africa at the global showpiece to be co-hosted in Australia and New Zealand from 20 July – 20 August.
The three-time African Women’s Coach of the Year winner selected a strong squad blending experience and youth. Refiloe Jane of Italian side Sassuolo will captain the side with Andile Dlamini and Thembi Kgatlana acting as joint deputies.
Ellis was explained what she saw in the Banyana players that made the cut for the World Cup.
The tactician also admitted that picking the final squad for the World Cup was the toughest decision in her career.
“The past few days have been stressful, not just for me but for the players as well,” said Ellis.
“But I wanted to give myself as much time as possible to ensure I got the right squad. I waited until the last minute because I was looking for consistency and then the hard part was obviously calling the players in and telling them they didn’t make the squad.
“They put in so much work but at the end of the day I could only select 23 and that was the hard part. I encouraged them to keep going because there are more competitions to come and you never know what could happen.
“We pray that nothing happens but they have to be ready if something happens. I just encouraged them to stay in touch and keep on working and make sure that when the call up comes they will be sitting on the other side and not on the same place,” she added.
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Banyana squad
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW), Kebotseng Moletsane (Royal AM)
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini (Sundowns), Fikile Magama (UWC), Lebohang Ramalepe (Sundowns), Tiisetso Makhubela (Sundowns), Noko Matlou (Eibar), Bambanani Mbane (Sundowns), Bongeka Gamede (UWC)
Midfielders: Kholosa Biyana (UWC), Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo), Sibulele Holweni (UWC), Linda Mothlalo (Glasgow City), Nomvula Kgoale (Galaxy), Robyn Moodaly (JVW)
Strikers: Gabriela Salgado (JVW), Jermaine Seoposenwe (Juarez), Noxolo Cesane (Tigres Femenil), Melinda Kgadiete (Sundowns), Wendy Shongwe (UP), Hildah Magaia (Sejong), Thembi Kgatlana (Louisville)
Stand-By Players: Regril Ngobeni (UWC), Amogelang Motau (UWC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond).