By Agency Report

Former Africa Women’s Footballer of the Year Thembi Kgatlana headlines the Banyana Banyana of South African women’s squad for the for the 2023 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2018 Africa Women’s Player of the Year was named as one of the 23-players who will represent the country at the tournament.

Kgatlana was a standout player in the last edition of the competition where she walked away as the player of the tournament and top goal scorer having netted five matches in the competition. Coach Desiree Ellis also called to the squad, Jermaine Seoposenwe who hasn’t played for the national team in almost four years. Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Noko Matlou, Nomvula Kgoale and Hilda Magaia are the other players overseas players that made the final squad.

Ellis has also named uncapped Nthabiseng Majiya to the side. Majiya is the youngest player in the team, having impressed Ellis in the in the local Hollywoodbets Super League after scoring nine goals in 10 games in the colours of Richmond United FC.

Veteran defender, Janine van Wyk will captain the team in the tournament.

Banyana Banyana have been pitted in Group C of the competition with nine-time champions, Nigeria and two debutants, Botswana and Burundi. They open their account against rivals, the Super Falcons on 4 July at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat. Banyana head to Morocco on Tuesday, 21 June.

South Africa Women Squad

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart , Regirl Ngobeni

Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Janine Van Wyk, Bambanani Mbane , Bongeka Gamede, Noko Matlou

Midfielders: Refiloe Jane, Nomvula Kgoale, Linda Motlhalo, Thalea Smidt, Khosona Biyela, Amogelang Motau, Robin Moodaly, Sibulele Holweni

Strikers: Jermaine Seopasenwe, Melinda Kgadiete, Noxolao Cesane, Nthabiseng Majiya, Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia

Standby players:* Kebotseng Moletsane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Thubelihle Shamse