Picture: The Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis announces has announced a preliminary 36-member squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand/SAFA
By OBAKENG MAJE
Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis has announced a preliminary 36-member squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The SASOL-sponsored South African senior women’s national team, will go into camp in Johannesburg on 12 June 2023 and all the players have a chance to impress Ellis before the final list for the global tournament is announced later this month.
Ellis told http://www.safa.net that, selecting the preliminary squad was one of the most difficult tasks she has ever had to do as South African senior women’s national team coach.
“It’s most probably one of the most difficult selections I’ve ever had to make as a coach. We always say players must raise their hands and make it difficult. It has been very difficult- to select the preliminary squad.
“I would also like to congratulate all players who have made it into the preliminary squad. We are going to do a final selection as well as announce the final 23 plus three. That is even going to be more difficult, but this is the group of players that we think will do the job for us,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Banyana Banyana’s highest capped player, Janine van Wyk, was part of Ellis’ plans for the preliminary squad but was eventually withdrawn from the list due to injury. The Alberton-born defender, who has over 180 appearances, thanked Ellis for considering her and confirmed that she sustained an injury.
“I have sustained an injury that I personally feel would impact my chances of performing at the highest level that is required to make the World Cup squad. I have to turn down the call-up with a heavy heart, but also knowing that, I am doing what is best for the team,” she said.
Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship, Nozipho Mbatha said: “Congratulations to the preliminary squad selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming World Cup. The ball is now in the court of these talented players to put their best foot forward to be selected for the final squad.
“We have seen how hard they have fought to remain at the top of their game in the local league matches. Our overseas-based players also continued to work hard to profile themselves and ensure they remained within the radar of Ellis and her technical team.”
Mbatha further said they wish all these players the best of luck with the final preparations knowing that, they all have an equal chance to be a part of the final 23 strong women.
The Guardian 