Hilda Magaia withdraws from Banyana Banyana squad to face Senegal

The former Amatuks and TUT player has been sidelined by medical reasons while the University of the Western Cape pair of Bongeka Gamede and Fikile Magama are writing exams.

In their place, Lesego Nkoane of TS Galaxy Queens has been called up alongside Ayesha Moosa and Shannon Macomo, both from the University of Johannesburg – with the latter player the only one uncapped at senior level despite appearances in the South African U17 and U20 Women’s National Teams.

Magaia, Gamede and Magama’s absence increase the number of regulars missing from the squad to 11 following the non-inclusion of Andile Dlamini, Noko Matlou, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Thembi Kgatlana, captain Refiloe Jane, Nomvula Kgoale, Gabriela Salgado as well as Regirl Ngobeni.

All were part of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad that made history by progressing to the Round of 16 at the tournament.

The 23 players called up will assemble for camp on Monday, 27 May in Johannesburg and depart on Wednesday evening (29 May) after they have cast their votes on Election Day.

South Africa takes on Senegal on Saturday, 1 June in the first match, while the second fixture will take place on Tuesday, 4 June.

Banyana Banyana will have little time to prepare for the two games and will have to hit the ground running.

With several young players in the team, including Macomo, Moosa, Nkoane, Nicole Michael, Thubelihle Shamase, Ayanda Hadebe, Mmabatho Mogale, among others, coach Dr Desiree Ellis will have to rely on the experience of the likes of Bambanani Mbane, Kholosa Biyana, Linda Motlhalo, Kaylin Swart, Karabo Dhlamini as well as Lebogang Ramalepe - with one from the latter group wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Jane and Kgatlana.