Youthful COSAFA players rewarded with call-ups to Banyana first team – SAFA.net

21 November 2024 – Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named the team that will face the Reggae Queens of Jamaica in two away international friendly the coming days.

The Sasol-sponsored African champions will face the Reggae Girlz in Montego Bay on 29 November 2024 and 2 November 2024 as they continue their preparations for the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Dr Ellis has called up a youthful team filled with players who raised their hands during the recent COSAFA Women’s Championships in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, where South Africa lost out to Zambia on penalties in the final.

Several players in the squad have had a taste of the South African senior women’s national team set-up and impressed Dr Ellis enough to earn call-ups as the team continues to prepare for 2025.

Goalkeeper Jessica Williams has been rewarded after her outstanding performance in the COSAFA Championships where she was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Asanda Hadebe, who was tasked with helping to lead the youthful squad coached by Maud Khumalo, returns to the senior national team fold.

Bongeka Gamede, who recently moved to Danish side Nordsjaelland, returns to the senior team along with renowned “Lipstick Lady” Nomvula Kgoale.

Ntando Phahla, Sibongile Ntoane and Gugu Dlamini, who have had great seasons at club level and at the COSAFA Women’s Championships, have also been called up. Junior international Shakira O’Malley, who plies her trade at the Western Michigan University in the USA, has also been selected to complete the 23 players called up.

Speaking after the squad was announced at the SABC studios in Auckland Park this afternoon, Dr Ellis said that the pool of players was growing at an exciting rate as many of the players have come through the junior teams.

“We never forget players and we are always watching all over the world, so for a players like O’Malley and Williams to get a call up is not a surprise.

Going into the matches against Jamaica we will still going to be working our ourselves and our preparations for the WAFCON. It is always a great thing to win mayches, but we are in a preparation face, and what is important is to get us playing as a unit, conceding less goals, staying compact and converting our chamces” said Dr Ellis.

“Sasol congratulates the Banyana Banyana squad selected to represent South Africa in the upcoming friendly matches against Jamaica. These matches are a test of skill and an invaluable opportunity for the team to push boundaries, embrace new challenges, and continue their growth as they prepare for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

We are especially excited to see the inclusion of new players, which reflects the healthy state of women’s football development in South Africa. At Sasol, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Banyana Banyana as they continue to Live the Impossible both on and off the field. We are proud to stand with them as they inspire the nation and showcase the strength and talent of South African women’s football on the global stage”; said Sasol Senior Manager, Group Brand and Sponsorship, Nozipho Mbatha.

23 player squad:

South African Football: Percy Tau gained fame at Mamelodi Sundowns before moving to Europe.