by Genevieve Henry (11/7/23)
Above: South Africa lift the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations last year. Photo: CGTN Africa.
South Africa, affectionately known as Banyana Banyana (The Girls), has been on the brink of something special for some time now. After winning the Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), they will be looking to prove that they can be a real threat on the world stage.
Squad
A 36-strong provisional squad has been selected which will be narrowed down to 23 shortly.
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC), Kebotseng Moletsane (Royal AM), Asa Rabalao (University of Pretoria).
Defenders: Asande Hadebe (Sunflower), Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Fikile Magama (UWC), Cimone Sauls (JVW), Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC), Noko Matlou (Eibar), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongeka Gamede (UWC).
Midfielders: Thubelihle Shamase (UJ FC), Thalea Smidt (University of Pretoria), Refiloe Jane (Sassuolo), Sibulele Holweni (UWC), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City), Kholosa Biyana (UWC), Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy), Robyn Moodaly (JVW), Amogelang Motau (UWC).
Forwards: Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy), Noxolo Cesane (UANL), Gabriela Salgado (JVW), S’phumelele Shamase (UJ), Jermaine Seoposenwe (Juárez), Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto), Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sundowns), Wendy Shongwe (University of Pretoria), Thembi Kgatlana (Racing Louisville), Ntombifikile Ndlovu (UWC).
Head coach
Desiree Ellis has been a huge factor in South Africa’s recent success. Ellis played for Banyana Banyana herself, actually being one of the founding members and only their second captain ever. In her years as a player, she had a respectable career in England, playing for many teams including Tottenham Hotspur. As a coach, she has kept up this impressive run. After being appointed interim manager of the South African Women’s National Team in 2016, she was given the gig full-time. She coached them to a second-place finish in the 2018 WAFCON, qualifying them for the 2019 World Cup, where they exited in the group stage. In 2022, she coached them to the WAFCON title. Can she take them further at the 2023 World Cup as well?
How they qualified
By winning the WAFCON in 2022. All nations making the semi-finals of that tournament also qualified for the World Cup. South Africa lifted the WAFCON trophy defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final.
World Cup history
This is Banyana Banyana‘s second World Cup appearance after making their debut last time round in France. They took the lead against Spain in their opening group game thanks to Thembi Kgatlana’s goal before going down 3-1. This was followed by defeats to China (1-0) and Germany (4-0).
Key players
This team primarily play in the South African Football Association (SAFA) Women’s League, but there are a few stars plying their trade overseas in top leagues. In Spain, defender Noko Matlou has faced top competition with her club Eibar. She has played as a striker and a defender for South Africa, having amassed more than 60 goals in over 160 appearances. In Italy, Refiloe Jane is gaining similar experience in midfield with Sassuolo. She has over 100 appearances for her country since debuting in 2012. Finally, in Scotland, Linda Motlhalo has been making a huge impact for powerhouse Glasgow City. During the course of her career, the winger has earned the nickname “The Randfontein Ronaldinho”. Having earned over 50 caps for her country at the young age of 24, she is one of the most important players for South Africa.
One to watch
Sibulele Holweni, 22-years-old, is a prolific scorer from the midfield, once having scored five goals in one game for her country. Another talent to look out for is Karabo Dhlamini. The 21-year-old plays for a Division One US college team, Oakland University. She is a promising defender who will hope to sure up the South African backline.
Strengths
They always seem to manage to find the back of the net even against the toughest of opposition. Banyana Banyana has grown immensely as of late in this area.
Development areas
The level of football many of these players have experienced is not up to the standard of a World Cup. Their defence and midfield especially will face many challenges when facing the world’s strongest strikers.
Success would be
If South Africa could make it out of the group, it would be a win. They face tough opposition in Sweden, but it is possible to see them take points off of both Italy and Argentina. They will hope to score many goals and make some history.
Prediction
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say Round of Sixteen. Banyana Banyana are African Champions and they should be able to put up a good fight within their group which offers opportunities to pick up points against Italy and Argentina.
Group G Fixtures
23rd July – Sweden, Sky Stadium, Wellington.
28th July – Argentina, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.
2nd August – Italy, Sky Stadium, Wellington.
To read the other World Cup nation previews published so far, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/international-football/
To read the other World Cup nation previews published so far, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/international-football/
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