3 Aprl 2019 – A few players of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana took time off from their hectic schedule to visit Durban-based Amazulu Football Club at their training session at People’s Park, near the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Led by head coach Desiree Ellis, the four players – captain Janine van Wyk, midfielder Linda Motlhalo and forwards Jermaine Seoposenwe – got to watch the PSL side as they were taken through their paces in preparation for their weekend league clash against Chippa United.
“It is a great honour to be visited by the World Cup-bound and history-making Banyana Banyana. They are an inspiration to the country, and we are proud of them. We believe in them and we are behind them all the way, and we are confident they will do well,” said Amazulu head coach Cavin Johnson.
“This is no small achievement what this team has done – they have put South Africa on the world map and deserve all the support they can get. As Amazulu FC we can only say all the best coach Desiree and your troops, go and conquer the world. All the best in France, but first good luck against Jamaica.”
Ellis thanked Johnson.
“We would like to thank you for those kind words, and assure you and the entire country that we will do the best we can at the World Cup to raise the South African flag even higher. We are where we are today because of the support and good luck messages from the people of this country and we are forever grateful. We are glad that we go France with the blessings of so many in South Africa, and that gives us a huge boost as we are heading to such an important mission,” said Ellis.
Speaking on behalf of the players, Van Wyk said they will do the best they can at the tournament.
“We would like to thank coach Cavin for the wonderful words, which are very encouraging. To the entire Amazulu FC players and staff, your support is highly appreciated. It is the kind that lifts the spirit. Thanks for the invite and we will do the best we can as we will face Spain, China and Germany – a tough group indeed, but with the kind of support we are getting here at home, we are positive we will not disappoint,” said Van Wyk.
Banyana Banyana will conduct coaching clinics with young girls at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu immediately after their training session at the venue.
The clinics take place between 16h30 and 17h30.
Meanwhile, midfielder Rachel Sebati of TUT-PTA has been withdrawn from the Banyana Banyana squad due to an injury she picked up before the start of camp.
Ongeziwe Ndlangiza of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) has been called up – and has already joined her compatriots at training.
South Africa play Jamaica on Sunday, 7 April 2019 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Kickoff is at 15h00 and TICKETS ARE FREE, BUT NEED TO BE COLLECTED FROM Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers.
BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD vs JAMAICA – INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH
NAME AND SURNAME | POSITION | CLUB | LOCATION | PROVINCE | |||
1. Andile DLAMINI | GK | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | Pretoria | GAUTENG | |||
2. Kaylin SWART | GK | Awaiting Transfer | Port Elizabeth | EASTERN CAPE | |||
3. Jessica WILLIAMS | GK | Spurs WFC | Cape Town | CAPE TOWN | |||
4. Lebogang RAMALEPE | DF | Ma-Indies FC | Polokwane | LIMPOPO | |||
5. Nothando VILAKAZI | DF | Palace Super Falcons FC | Johannesburg | GAUTENG | |||
6. Janine VAN WYK | DF | Awaiting Transfer | Johannesburg | GAUTENG | |||
7. Noko MATLOU | DF | Ma-Indies FC | Polokwane | LIMPOPO | |||
8. Bambanani MBANE | DF | Bloemfontein Celtic FC | Bloemfontein | FREE STATE | |||
9. Tiisetso MAKHUBELA | DF | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | Pretoria | GAUTENG | |||
10. Bongeka GAMEDE | DF | UWC | Cape Town | Western Cape | |||
11. Karabo DHLAMINI | DF | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | Pretoria | GAUTENG | |||
12. Yonela KETO | DF | Thunderbirds FC | Port Elizabeth | EASTERN CAPE | |||
13.Mamello MAKHABANE | MF | JVW FC | Johannesburg | GAUTENG | |||
14. Leandra SMEDA | MF | Vittsjo GIK | SWEDEN | ||||
15. Nompumelelo NYANDENI | MF | JVW FC | Johannesburg | GAUTENG | |||
16. Linda MOTLHALO | MF | Beijing BG Phoenix FC | Beijing | CHINA | |||
17. Busisiwe NDIMENI | MF | TUT-PTA | Pretoria | GAUTENG | |||
18. Refiloe JANE | MF | Awaiting Transfer | |||||
19. ONGEZIWE NDLANGISA | MF | DUT | KZN | KZN | |||
20. Kholosa BIYANA | MF | UKZN | Durban | KWA ZULU NATAL | |||
21. Sibulele HOLWENI | MF | Sophakama/HPC | Port Elizabeth | EASTERN CAPE | |||
22. Jermaine SEOPOSENWE | FW | JVW FC | Johannesburg | GAUTENG | |||
23. Thembi KGATLANA | FW | Beijing BG Phoenix FC | Beijing | CHINA | |||
24. Amanda MTHANDI | FW | University of Johannesburg | Johannesburg | GAUTENG | |||
25. Rhoda MULAUDZI | FW | Awaiting transfer | |||||
26. Ode FULUTUDILU | FW | Malaga FC | SPAIN | ||||
SOURCED FROM THE SAFA WEBSITE.