Sasol sponsored Banyana Banyana have arrived safely in Turkey for the Turkish Women’s Cup.
Banyana departed Mzansi last night (Tuesday 14 February) to participate in the cup competition, which they aim to use as preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, set to kick off between 20 July and 20 August in Australia/New Zealand.
The South African senior women’s team’s safe arrival has been confirmed by SAFA’s Head of Communication Mninawa Ntloko.
Coach Desiree Ellis, members of her technical team and 16 local-based players travelled last night, while seven overseas-based players will join the camp in Antalya on Wednesday.
A week ago, a devastating earthquake left thousands dead and many more injured or missing in Turkey and in neighbouring Syria a few days ago.
“The death toll has surpassed 40,000, while more than seven million children have been affected by the massive earthquake and a major aftershock”, the United Nations has said.
Banyana Banyana’s website confirmed that the World football governing body FIFA also gave the green light to the tournament in a letter sent to all the participants on 10 February 2023. “SAFA consulted widely before allowing Banyana Banyana to travel to Turkey”.
The tournament will be held from 13-23 February 2023 and the participants are hosts Turkey, Bulgaria, Estonia, Kosovo, Hong Kong, Jordan, North Macedonia, Slovenia, South Africa, Uzbekistan and Zambia.
Ellis said she will use the matches against, Uzbekistan and Venezuela to address some of the shortcomings she identified during her team’s friendly internationals against Brazil and Australia last year. Her charges suffered back-to-back defeats to Brazil (0-3 and 0-6) at home in South Africa in September, and then lost 1-4 to Australia in London in October last year.
“When you look at the Brazil and Australia games last year, I think individually and defensively we were found wanting.
“Any team’s foundation is built on a good defence. Before we were very good defensively and we knew we would get a chance or two and we would score. So, we have got to be better in that department.”
In revised fixtures, Banyana Banyana will now play two matches – vs Uzbekistan on Saturday, 18 February, then take on Slovenia on Tuesday, 21 February, and both will take place at the Emirhan Sport Complex.
Kick-off is 19h00 (18h00 SA Time) and 15h00 (14h00 SA Time) respectively.
Local Players:
Andile Dlamini, Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Thalea Smidt, Melinda Kgadiete, Lelona Daweti (all Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Fikile Magama, Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Amogelang Motau (all UWC), Kaylin Swart, Robyn Moodaly, Gabriela Salgado (all JVW), Katlego Moletsane (Royal AM), Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower FC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond United).
Overseas based players:
Faith Nokuthula (Blackburn Rovers, England), Noko Matlou (SD Eibar, Spain), Refiloe Jane (Sassuolo, Italy) (c), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland), Noxolo Cesane (Tigres Femenil, Mexico), Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez, Mexico), Hilda Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto, South Korea).
