With 45 days to go until Australia and New Zealand co-host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (20 July – 20 August 2023), Banyana Banyana head Desiree Ellis has named her 36-member preliminary squad for the global showpiece.
Ellis will however still have to narrow down the squad to 23 players, (plus three standby players) that will eventually represent South Africa.
“It’s most probably one of the most difficult selections I’ve ever had to make,” the Banyana mentor told SAFA’s official website.
“As a coach you always say players must raise their hand and make it difficult. And it has been very difficult (selecting the preliminary squad). Congratulations to the players that have made the preliminary squad.
“We are always saying players must raise their hands, and many of them have raised their hands. But this is the group of players that we think we can select from, and they have raised their hands.
“We are going to do a final selection as well as announce the final 23 plus three. That is even going to be more difficult, but this is the group of players that we think will do the job for us.”
Some good news for Mzansi is that Thembi Kgatlana has made the selection after recently returning from her long injury layoff.
However, former captain and record appearance holder Janine Van Wyk is not part of the squad due to an injury.
“I have sustained an injury that I personally feel would impact my chances of performing at the highest level that is required to make the World Cup squad,” Van Wyk told SAFA.
“I have to turn down the call-up with a heavy heart, but also knowing that I am doing what is best for the team.”
Banyana will assemble in Johannesburg on 12 June for an intense training camp, where each player will have an opportunity to impress coach Ellis enough for a spot in the final squad.
On Friday, SAFA also confirmed that they have organised a friendly match against Costa Rica, which will take place on 15 July in New Zealand as part of Banyana’s preparation camp.
The 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions qualified for their second World Cup after making their debut appearance back in 2019, when the World Cup was hosted by France and eventually won by the USA.
Back in 2019, Banyana lost all three group stage games (1-4 vs Spain, 0-1 vs China and 0-4 vs Germany) and they will hope to do better at this year’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
For this year’s World Cup, South Africa have been drawn in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina and will open their tournament against Sweden on 23 July.
