Paris 2024 Qualifiers: Desiree Ellis names provisional Banyana squad for Nigeria clash

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Desiree Ellis, the head coach of South Africa’s senior women’s national team, has revealed the squad tasked with navigating the final round of the Paris 2024 Qualifiers.

The African champions are set to lock horns with record title-holders, Nigeria, in a pivotal two-legged encounter.

Ellis has assembled a formidable 29-player provisional roster in preparation for the crucial double-header.

The squad comprises four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, eight midfielders, and seven forwards, each selected for their respective roles in the team’s campaign.

Among the notable names included in the squad are captain Thembi Kgathlana, along with Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia, who ply their trade abroad.

Additionally, experienced players such as Noko Matlou, Bambanani Mbane, Lebohang Ramalepe, Linda Motlhalo, and Refiloe Jane feature prominently in the lineup.

The opening leg of this high-stakes fixture, which will determine one of Africa’s two representatives at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France, is scheduled for Friday, April 5th, in Abuja.

The return leg will be held at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday, April 9th.

Banyana Banyana provisional squad to face Super Falcons

Goalkeepers
Andile Dlamini
Kaylin Swart
Katlego Moletsane
Dineo Magagula

Defenders
Karabo Dhlamini
Boitumelo Rasehlo
Noko Matlou
Fikile Magama
Asanda Hadebe
Lonathemba Mhlongo
Lebohang Ramalepe
Tiisetso Makhubela
Bambanani Mbane
Bongeka Gamede

Midfielders
Linda Motlhalo
Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Refiloe Jane
Lesego Nkoane
Samkelisiwe Selana
Nomvula Kgoale
Sibulele Holweni
Amogelang Motau

Forwards
Gabriela Salgado
Noxolo Cesane
Nicole Michael
Hildah Magaia
Thembi Kgathlana
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Nthabiseng Majiya