Banyana warned against complacency

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Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza has cautioned the 18-women selected for the 2012 London Olympic Games not to become complacent.

South African national women's coach Joseph Mkhonza has cautioned the 18-women selected squad for the 2012 London Olympic Games not to become complacent in the coming weeks.

Banyana Banyana will form part of Team South Africa at the sporting showpiece that begins next month, in their first Olympic appearance.

The squad was announced by the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) on Wednesday.

“We should ... indicate that we have the top 18 players, but this does not make it the final squad,” said Mkhonza in a release from the SA Football Association on Friday.

“Players placed on the list from 19 to 35 are reserves in the event of injury or illness.

“As the technical team, our challenge now is to ensure that the top 18 that were announced do not become complacent, 1/8just 3/8 because they have made the cut.

“We will expect them to continue in the manner they have been preparing as the job is not done yet; in fact, it is just starting.”

Mkhonza added that it had been difficult to decide on the final list because of strong competition.

The team has also been boosted by the return of star midfielder Portia Modise, after a hiatus in the national team.

Banyana have one more fixture before the tournament, an African Women's Championship qualifier second leg match against Zambia, in Nelspruit next weekend.

They carry a 4-1 aggregate lead from the first leg away.

The team will assemble on Monday after taking a short break, following their 1-1 draw with Nigeria in Rustenburg last weekend.

“This has been the most difficult period for the Banyana

technical team,” said Mkhonza.

“Going through all the names and coming up with the 18 players was very hard, but something that had to be done.

“But I need to emphasise that this is not the final squad, as Sascoc will only announce the final Team South Africa squad on the 4th of July, so there could be some changes.

“I still have players on standby in case any of the 18 sustain injuries as we build up to the Olympics.”

The Banyana squad:

Goalkeeper: Roxanne Barker, Andile Dlamini, Thokozile Mndaweni.

Defenders: Refiloe Jane, Nomvula Kgoale, Nothando Vilakazi, Amanda Sister, Janine van Wyk, Zamandosi Cele, Lebogang Mabatle, Leandra Smeda.

Midfielders: Kylie-Ann Louw,Yola Jafta, Leah Sethunya, Amanda Dlamini, Mary Ntsweng, Noko Matlou, Portia Modise, Nocawe Skiti, Gabisile Hlumbane, Sanah Mollo, Rachel Sibati.

Strikers: Robyn Moodaly, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noko Matlou, Rachel Sebati. – Sapa