The final 23-member squad will represent South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted in Australia and New Zealand from next month.
JOHANNESBURG – Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis named her squad for the upcoming World Cup on Friday.
The final 23-member squad – trimmed down from a preliminary 36, will represent South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted in Australia and New Zealand from next month.
This will be the national team’s second World Cup following their debut appearance in France in 2019.
Breaking News ????⚽️
Ellis names FINAL Banyana Banyana squad for the 2023 @FIFAWWC ????
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‘ Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 23, 2023
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao told Eyewitness News that they are making sure that the players’ mental health is being taken care of ahead of the World Cup.
“We have a mental health coach on board which is exactly what we did when they went to the AFCON because we saw the capabilities that they had in 2018. We saw that there was this barrier that they couldn’t break through.
“We realised that’s a mental challenge and there is nothing the coach can do. That’s when we brought in a psychologist and sports or mental health coach and that’s what helped them push beyond the boundaries in Morroco,” said Monyepao.
In 2022, Ellis guided Banyana Banyana to their maiden continental triumph, with a 2-1 win over Morocco in the final, guaranteeing their World Cup qualification.
Monyepao said the sports psychologist has been helping the players with finding ways to block out the noise and focusing on the task at hand.
“A mental health coach is key in terms of sports participation today and we are taking it very seriously,” she said.
????FINAL SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT DAY????
????????????????#LiveTheImpossible #RoadToTheFIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/NnLJCiv8Qe
‘ Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 23, 2023
Banyana Banyana have been drawn into Group G, alongside Argentina, Sweden, and Italy.
They open their tournament against the Swedes on 23 July at the Wellington Stadium, before playing Argentina on 28 July, with their last group match against Italy taking place on 2 August.
In 2019, the national team lost all three group-stage games, but this time around, they hope to secure their first World Cup win.
Meanwhile, the US women’s soccer team is looking to record their third consecutive title, and fifth overall.
No team, men’s or women’s, has won three in a row. A fifth title would put the US level with Brazil’s men’s team.
????????????????#LiveTheImpossible #RoadToTheFIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/FZisX44d3I
‘ Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 21, 2023
BANYANA BANYANA FINAL FULL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Kebotseng Moletsane,
DEFENDERS
Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Noko Matlou, Bambani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede
MIDFIELDERS
Kholosa Biyana, Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nomvula Kgoale, Robyn Moodaly
FORWARDS
Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana.
A beautiful morning as Banyana Banyana is being hosted and celebrated by @Brand_SA for a team breakfast and send-off.
????????????????#PlayYourPart #LiveTheImpossible pic.twitter.com/UgjQ2jFO22
‘ Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 21, 2023
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