Banyana Banyana reveals Preliminary Squad For 2023 World Cup

South African women’s soccer team has revealed its 36-woman preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup due to be held in Australia and New Zealand.

The most anticipated Women’s World Cup tournament will commence from the 20^th of July through to the 20^th of August 2023.

SAFA says the squad will arrive at camp in Johannesburg on the 12^th of June 2023. The pressure is extreme as the stakes are high and the players will be expected to give all their best to impress their mentor, Desiree Ellis, before she names her final squad later this month.

The three-time CAF Women’s of the Year mentioned how difficult having to select the squad since taking over the coaching reigns as the Banyana coach. Talking SAFA’s media department, Ellis said it’s most probably one of the most difficult selections she’s ever had to make.

Ellis also went on to say: “As a coach, you always say players must raise their hand and make it difficult. And it has been very difficult [selecting the preliminary squad].”  Congratulating to the players that became part of the preliminary squad she said: “We are always saying players must raise their hands, and many of them have raised their hands.”

The Banyana coach said they are still going to do a final selection as well as announce the final 23 plus three, which will be  even more difficult. However, this is the group of players that they think will do the job for them.

BANYANA BANYANA PRELIMINARY FULL SQUAD:

GOALKEEPERS

Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Regirl Ngobeni, Kebotseng Moletsane, Asa Rabalao

DEFENDERS

Asande Hadebe, Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Cimone Sauls, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Noko Matlou, Bambani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede

MIDFIELDERS

Thubelihle Shamase, Kholosa Biyana, Thalea Smidt, Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Robyn Moodaly, Amogelang Motau

FORWARDS

Nicole Michael, Gabriela Salgado, Sphumelele Shamase, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Nthabiseng Majiya, Lelona Daweti, Wendy Shongwe, Ntombifikile Ndlovu, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana.

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Ellis names Banyana preliminary squad for 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup!https://t.co/G9h7B1Zf0A pic.twitter.com/0INHyYWakk

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 5, 2023

Main Image: Twitter

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