Banyana Banyana name squad for 2019 Cosafa Women’s Championship

Defending champs South Africa have named a squad of 20 players for the 2019 Cosafa (Council of Southern Africa Football Associations) Women’s Championship in Port Elizabeth starting July 31.

The SA team, known as Banyana Banyana, go into the tournament, which finishes on August 11, as defending champions.

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has made six changes to the squad that participated at the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup in France.

There are no overseas-based players because the competition does not fall on the Fifa calendar date.

The only exception is Spain-based forward Ode Fulutudilu, who is available for the tournament as she is set for a move to a new club.

But those who miss out are Leandra Smeda (Sweden), Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana (both China), Jermaine Seoposenwe and Nothando Vilakazi (both Lithuania) as well as newly-signed Rhoda Muluadzi in Cyprus.

Ellis has named three new caps – Priscilla Pesa, Shange Sthembile and Noxolo Cesane – while Hilda Magaia, Ongeziwe Ndlangisa, and Robyn Moodaly make a return to the squad.

Ellis said: “We have had to make changes to the squad due to the unavailability of the overseas players, but this gives a chance to other players to stake their claim in the squad.”

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Banyana have been drawn in Group A alongside Comoros Islands, Malawi, and Madagascar.

Group B contains Zambia, Namibia, Mauritius and Botswana.

Zimbabwe headline Group C, where they will take on Mozambique, Angola, and Eswatini.

Only the top team in each pool advances to the semifinals, along with the best second-place finisher.

Banyana will assemble for camp in Port Elizabeth on July 28.

SA squad for 2019 Cosafa Women’s Championship

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart

Defenders: Lebogang Ramalepe, Janine van Wyk (c), Noko Matlou, Bambanani Mbane, Noxolo Cesane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bongeka Gamede

Midfielders: Mamello Makhabane, Busisiwe Ndimeni, Refiloe Jane, Kholosa Biyana, Robyn Moodaly, Hildah Magaia, Ongeziwe Ndlangisa, Priscilla Pesa

Forwards: Amanda Mthandi, Ode Fulutudilu, Shange Stembile

In partnership with ANA and Mediapix