Banyana Banyana’s preparations for the international friendly match against Zimbabwe moved a gear up on Monday with the coach trimming the squad down from 21 to 18 players.

 

The match against neighbours Zimbabwe will take place on Saturday, 15 June at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton and coach Joseph Mkhonza admitted it was a very difficult decision to offload the three players from the original squad.

 

Durban Ladies defender, Charlotte Mshengu (Sasol League, KZN) and two goalkeepers in Mahlatsi Mogola of TUT ladies (Sasol league, Gauteng) and Primrose Ndlozi of TK Stars (Sasol league, Mpumalanga) will not join the Banyana Banyana squad as they continue their preparations for the friendly against Zimbabwe.

 

“This was not an easy process. I didn’t know who to leave behind and to be honest it was a very difficult decision to make. The three players I dropped were just unfortunate but the door is not shut on them; they should just continue training hard and they will be rewarded,” said Mkhonza.

 

The Sasol-sponsored senior women’s national team is in high spirits following the 5-0 thrashing of Mozambique in an international friendly match played at the Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday, 9 June.

 

The friendly against Mozambique allowed the Banyana Banyana mentor to experiment with new combinations and at the same time award five new players with their first caps.

 

“Following yesterday’s (Sunday) excellent performance, I believe we are growing into a formidable squad. I gave five new players some international experience and I personally felt their performance was outstanding though there are still areas that need attention. But with time, that can be worked out.

 

“Given what we have seen over the past two weeks, we have the potential to grow as a national team and rise in rankings on the continent as well as in the world.” said Mkhonza.

 

Banyana Banyana squad for Johannesburg training camp:

 

NAME

 

  CLUB

 

  1. Andile Dlamini

 

  Mamelodi Sundowns

 

  2. Nkosingiphile Zungu

 

  Remax Shooting Stars

 

  3. Gabisile Hlumbane

 

  Kovsies Ladies

 

  4. Nothando  Vilakazi

 

  Super Falcons

 

  5. Nelisiwe Mchunu

 

  Moroka Swallows

 

  6. Lebogang Mabatle

 

  Zebra Force

 

  7. Janine Van Wyk

 

  Mondeor Meteors Ladies

 

  8. Nwabisa Kolisi

 

  City Lads

 

  9. Amanda Dlamini

 

  Durban Ladies    

 

  10. Nocawe Skiti

 

  Cape Town Roses

 

  11. Nomathemba Ntsibande

 

  Springs Home Sweepers

 

  12. Nomawethu Nyusani

 

  Coastal United Ladies

 

  13. Memory Makhanya

 

  Durban Ladies

 

  14. Noko Matlou

 

  MaIndies

 

  15. Zingawe Phakathi

 

  United Ladies

 

  16. Silindile Ngubane

 

  Durban Ladies

 

  17. Shiwe Nogwanya

 

  Celtics

 

  18. Zamandosi Cele

 

  Durban Ladies