Picture: Banyana Banyana players
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 November 2024- African Champions Banyana Banyana departed for Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Monday to play their last two international matches of the year. The international friendlies against the Jamaicans are part of the Sasol- sponsored South African senior women’s national team’s preparations for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be played in Morocco from 5 until 26 July 2024.
Coach Desiree Ellis’ charges will take on the Reggae Girlz on 29 November and again on 2 December 2024. These games mark a good year of preparation against contrasting opponents after two away matches against Senegal in June 2024, and against Denmark and England last month.
Safa.net can reveal that Ellis has been forced to make three late changes to the squad she announced last Thursday. Hilda Magaia and Karabo Dhlamini have been ruled out due to injury and will be replaced by Thubelihle Shamase and Antonia Maponya.
Lonathemba Mhlongo has been called up in place of Sibulele Holweni, who misses out due to illness.
The squad will arrive in Montego Bay on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, in the evening and will have to adjust to a lengthy seven-hour difference, before beginning their preparations for their first match on 29 November 2024, at 8pm local time, 3am (SA time).
The Guardian 