Desiree Ellis names 23-member Banyana Banyana squad to face Tanzania

Ellis is adamant that her team will not underestimate their opponents in the upcoming two-legged qualifying matches.

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Ellis has assembled a formidable 23-player squad for the first leg clash in Dar es Salaam on Friday, scheduled for 3 pm.

With only two Olympic slots allocated for Paris in July/August, Ellis emphasized the significance of securing victory during the squad announcement at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday, just before their departure for this pivotal away fixture.

 ''We know of the opponents, we have footage -we have analysed them, just as they have analysed us. 

They beat Togo in the last Women's Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON], they also beat Botswana recently and we know how good Botswana is, we can't take anything for granted.

We have worked a lot on most of the things this week whilst waiting for international based players to meet us on the other side,'' said Ellis.

Ellis has included Lesego Nkoane from TS Galaxy Queens in her 23-player squad, affirming her belief that Nkoane is the ideal choice for the crucial match.

According to Ellis, she has retained the midfielder for specific reasons that could ultimately benefit Banyana during the upcoming match.

 ''Look, Lesego we have monitored her for a while. She will add a lot of value to the team, and she brings a little bit of physical presence  which at times we lack,'' added Ellis. 

The presence of seven players from the 2016 Olympics squad brings a wealth of experience to Banyana.

Ellis is relying on their seasoned expertise to bolster the team’s efforts in securing qualification.

''I think it is very important to have that core group, the senior group. Their experience will be important going into these matches,'' she concluded.

Ellis believes that the only milestone for her and the team during her tenure is to secure qualification for the Olympic Games, and they are now just two rounds from realizing that objective.

Banyana squad list;

Goalkeepers

    ·       Andile Dlamini

    ·       Kaylin Swart

    ·       Katlego Moletsane

Defenders

·       Karabo Dhlamini

·       Lonathemba Mhlongo

·       Fikile Magama

·       Noko Matlou

·       Asanda Hadebe

·       Lebohang Ramalepe

Midfielders

·       Linda Motlhalo

·       Nomvula Kgoale

·       Lesego Nkoane

·       Sphumelele Shamase

·       Thalea Smidt

Forwards

·       Nicole Michael

·       Thembi Kgatlana

·       Noxolo Cesane

·       Gabriela Salgado

·       Hilda Magaia

·       Nthabiseng Majiya

·       Jermaine Seoposenwe