JOHANNESBURG – Interim coach of Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, has named a squad of 26 players to face Sweden in two matches later this month.
Ellis has called up the bulk of the team that played at the 2017 Cosafa Women’s Championship held in Zimbabwe in September last year, and mixed it up with several overseas-based players.
These include the USA-based quartet of Kaylin Swart, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Amogelang Motau and Kelso Peskin.
The former Banyana captain has also rewarded players that participated in the end-of-the year 2017 Sasol League National Championship that was staged in Nelspruit early in December – like Yonelo Keto (Thunderbirds), Kgaelebane Mohlakoana and Melinda Kgadiete (both Bloemfontein Celtic), Neliswa Luthuli and Sduduzo Dlamini (both Sunflower FC)
Ellis has also recalled midfielder Amanda Dlamini after a long absence from the national team.
Banyana will assemble for camp on Sunday, January 14.
The first clash between South Africa and Sweden is a practice match, which will take place on Thursday, January 18, and will take place behind closed doors at a venue still to be announced.
The second encounter is an international friendly, and this will take place at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, January 21.
Sweden is currently ranked 10th in the world and fifth in Europe, while South Africa is 54th in the world and fifth on the African continent.
Goalkeepers:
Andile Dlamini, Yolula Tsawe, Kaylin Swart.
Defenders:
Nothando Vilakazi, Noko Matlou, Janine van Wyk, Bambanani Mbane, Lebohang Ramalepe, Regina Mogolola, Zanele Nhlapo, Yonelo Keto.
Midfielders:
Leandra Smeda, Refiloe Jane, Amanda Dlamini, Kholosa Biyana, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, Amogelang Motau, Rachel Sebati, Neliswa Luthuli, Nompumelelo Nyandeni.
Forwards:
Melinda Kgadiete, Thembi Kgatlana, Kelso Peskin, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Chantelle Esau, Sduduzo Dlamini.