Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza has trimmed his squad down to 21 players following the fitness and assessment tests that took place in Johannesburg over the past four days.

The Sasol-sponsored senior women’s national team underwent rigours tests to enable the coach and his technical team to select the 21 players that will travel to Mpumalanga today, Monday, 3 June. The squad is currently preparing for their international friendly match against Mozambique to be played at the Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday (kick-off: 15h00).

The coach said after careful assessment of all the players, he had tried out new combinations and was impressed by the quality that each player possessed. Unfortunately he could not take all the players and had to trim down the squad for this camp.

“After assessing all the players called up, we had to leave behind three players and move on with the other 21. It is always hard to cut players from camp but they should not be discouraged as we will call them up in future. The 21 players that are left in camp will be put through their paces before they come up against tough opposition in the friendly against Mozambique,” said Mkhonza.

Mkhonza said they were looking for certain qualities in the selected players. He will want the players to play a brand of football that will become synonymous with Banyana Banyana, one that will leave a lasting legacy in women’s football.

“I have however warned some of the older players to guard against complacency as nobody’s position is guaranteed. Everyone is required to put in an equal amount of effort as we look to take this team to greater heights,” said Mkhonza.

A squad of 18 Banyana Banyana players will travel back to Johannesburg on Monday (10 June 2013) for the next friendly encounter against Zimbabwe on Saturday, 15 June at the Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton.

Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk said the spirit in camp was at an all-time high and has encouraged players who did not make the cut to work hard and not give up on their dreams.

“I am appreciative of the spirit in camp. Everybody has been putting in their best and we further understand that not everyone will travel to Mpumalanga but I have encouraged them not to give up on their dreams and work towards making the team a success,” said van Wyk

Banyana Banyana team manager and former national team player, Lydia Monyepao shared her experience about becoming a Banyana Banyana player. She encouraged those who did not make the team to not give up on their dreams but to go back to their clubs and work on improving their talent.

“The team has come far in its 20 years of featuring in international football. Banyana Banyana made history by going to the Olympic Games in London last year. We need to look at the bigger picture and aim for greater heights such as building towards winning the 2014 African Women’s Championship. That will be our ticket to qualifying for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada and look even further to participating in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Don’t give up on your dreams and work harder because your efforts will be recognised,” said Monyepao.

Banyana Banyana squad that will travel to Mpumalanga:

NAME

CLUB

1. Andile Dlamini

Mamelodi Sundowns

2. Nkosingiphile Zungu

Remax Shooting Stars

3. Mahlatsi Mogola

TUT PTA

4. Primrose Ndlozi

TK Stars (Mpumalanga)

5. Gabisile Hlumbane

Kovsies Ladies

6. Nothando Vilakazi

Super Falcons

7. Nelisiwe Mchunu

Moroka Swallows

8. Lebogang Mabatle

Zebra Force

9. Janine Van Wyk

Mondeor Meteors Ladies

10. Charlotte Mshengu

Durban Ladies

11. Nwabisa Kolisi

City Lads

12. Amanda Dlamini

Durban Ladies

13. Nocawe Skiti

Cape Town Roses

14. Nomathemba Ntsibande

Springs Home Sweepers

15. Nomawethu Nyusani

Coastal United Ladies

16. Memory Makhanya

Durban Ladies

17. Noko Matlou

MaIndies

18. Zingawe Phakathi

United Ladies

19. Silindile Ngubane

Durban Ladies

20. Shiwe Nogwanya

Celtics

21. Zamandosi Cele

Durban Ladies
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