WAFCON 2024: Ellis names Banyana squad for Senegal friendlies 

By Harry Awurumibe, Africa’s No.1 Women Football Journalist

Ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Banyana Banyana of South Africa’s head coach, Desiree Ellis has announced her squad for the upcoming double-header International friendlies  against Senegal as the reigning African champions will face Senegalese senior women’s team twice away from home on May 27 and June 5.

Prompt News reports that  Ellis whose team did not qualify for Paris Olympics Women’s Football Tournament, no thanks to the defeat by Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the final qualifying round, has shifted her focus to WAFCON billed for Morocco later in the year and will use the two friendlies against the West Africans to try out new players  who will strengthen the squad as Banyana prepares for the defence of the African title they won for the first time in their history two years ago in Morocco.

“There are players coming back from injury, and we also want to see other players during these friendlies against Senegal,” Ellis told the media in South Africa.

“We need to prepare and be ready for WAFCON. We haven’t received any communication on when it is going to happen, but we will utilize these  FIFA dates to make sure that we start preparing”, she said.

However,  there are big absentees from the squad going to Senegal including veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who did feature in her club’s recent 6-0 win over First Touch and was also named Best Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year at the recent COSAFA awards.

Others are midfielder Gabrielle Salgado and attacking duo of Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe, who both reached the Clausura semi-final with their clubs in Mexico, are also absent.

Noko Matlou and Nomvula Kgoale are also missing, as Ellis is giving a few new names a chance to shine, with Nicole Michael, Asande Hadebe and Kholosa Biyana returning to the squad.

South Africa Roster for Senegal Friendlies:

*Goalkeeper*: Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane and Dineo Magagula

*Defenders*: Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lonathemba Mahlongo, Lebohang Ramalepe, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede, Tiisetso Makhubela and Asanda Hadebe

*Midfielders*:Linda Motlhalo, Mmabatho Mogale, Sibulele Holwani, Amogelang Motau, Nonhlanhla Mthandi and Kholosa Biyana

*Forwards*: Thubelihle Shamase, Hilda Magaia, Nicole Micheal, Sinoxolo Cesane, Noxolo Cesane and Nthabiseng Majiya.