Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has been forced to make changes to her squad that will depart on Monday for Jamaica where they have two friendly matches lined up against their hosts.
South Africa will face the Reggae Girlz on November 29 and December 2 in Montego Bay, in what will be their final build-up matches of the year, but Ellis has had to make changes to the team that was unveiled last Thursday, owing to injuries and illness.
“Hilda Magaia and Karabo Dhlamini have been ruled out due to injury and will be replaced by Thubelihle Shamase and Antonia Maponya. Lonathemba Mhlongo has been called up in place of Sibulele Holweni, who misses out due to illness,” said a statement from SAFA Media.
“The squad will arrive in Montego Bay on Tuesday, 26 October 2024 in the evening and will have to adjust to a lengthy seven-hour difference, before beginning their preparations for their first match on Friday, 29 November 2024 at 20h00 local time, 03h00 (SA time).”
Will Banyana cope without some of their star players?
The absence of Magaia will rob the team some much-needed experience given captain Thembi Kgatlana will also not be available after being granted permission to focus on club commitments with Tigres UANL.
Banyana Banyana are hoping to sign off the year in style after falling 5-0 to Norway and 2-1 to England in their last two friendly matches played in late October and early November.
The African champions are tuning up for their defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to be played in Morocco in July next year.
South Africa were placed in Group C alongside Ghana, Mali and Tanzania following the WAFCON draw conducted last week.
