Andile Dlamini withdraws from Banyana Banyana’s Qualifier clash due to medical reasons
27th March 2024
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has confirmed that Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has withdrawn from the squad that will face Nigeria in the final Olympic Qualifier due to medical reasons.
The senior women’s national team will face The Super Falcons in a two-legged qualifier with the first leg on 05 April away in Nigeria and the second one at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on 09 April.
Ellis says she’s comforted by the fact that they have players like Refiloe Jane and Bambanani Mbane back after their long-term injuries.
''We have lost players at the last minute minus Andile, she withdrew because of medical reasons. But I’m happy that I have Bambani, Sibulele and Refiloe back, that really warms my heart because these are experienced players and we will need their experience to get over this hurdle,'' said Ellis.
Though unfortunate, Ellis says Dlamini’s absence allows another goalkeeper to step in as they will be bringing in another shot stopper to join them on camp.
''It doesn't affect it much because you know we have a group of players - if somebody steps out we have another player stepping in. It gives an opportunity for someone else to raise their hand,'' added Ellis.
The Hollywoodbets Super League season kicked off four weeks ago and Ellis says the intensity of the league has contributed positively to the players' fitness levels.
''Look at the fixtures it was the top 5, 6 teams have lost battling week in week out, so the intensity was really good, and luckily we didn't lose players due to injuries minus Andile,'' she concluded.
The coach had named a 30-member preliminary squad for this camp which will be trimmed down to 23 when she announces her final squad at the SABC Studios on Thursday.
She adds that she’s worried about the heat in Nigeria that forced the officials to move the game from 4 pm to 5 pm but has no doubt the players can withstand it as they did in DR Congo and Tanzania.
