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Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named a 23-player squad for their upcoming 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations two-legged qualifier against Burkina Faso.
Most notably is the inclusion of the Shamase twins – Sphumelele and Thubelihle, who were part of the pre-FIFA Women's World Cup camp but ultimately missed out on selection for the global showpiece back in June.
Also returning is veteran defenders Noko Matlou, who was absent during the recent fixtures – the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers against DR Congo as well as friendlies against the USA, and Lebo Ramalepe.
Former captain Janine van Wyk is also back in the fold as she again looks to obtain the two elusive caps to reach 185 appearances and become the all-time most capped African male or female player at international level.
The first leg between the two sides will take place in Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast next Thursday, 30 November 2023 before the sides travel to Tshwane for the decisive clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday, 4 December 2023.
The winners will then progress to the WAFCON finals set to return to Morocco for a second successive edition after last year's tournament, which was won by the South Africans.
FULL 23-PLAYER SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Katlego Moletsane (Royal AM)
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini, Lebo Ramalepe (both Sundowns), Fikile Magama, Lonathemba Mhlongo (both UWC FC), Faith Nokuthula (Blackburn Rovers, England), Janine van Wyk (JVW), Noko Matlou (SD Eibar, Spain), Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower WFC)
Midfielders: Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland), Kholosa Biyana (Sundowns), Sphumelele Shamase, Thubelihle Shamase (both UJ FC), Amogelang Motau (UWC)
Forwards: Nicole Michael, Samkelisiwe Selana (both TS Galaxy Queens), Gabriela Salgado (JVW), Jermain Seoposenwe (CF Monterray, Mexico), Noxolo Cesane (UWC), Wendy Shongwe (University of Pretoria), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto, South Korea), Thembi Kgatlana (Racing Louisville, USA)
