Badgers FC goalkeeper Jessica Williams has received her maiden Banyana Banyana call-up following her inclusion into the team set to face Jamaica in two friendly matches.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis unveiled her squad for the two matches against the Reggae Girlz, on November 29 and December 2, with Williams was rewarded for her starring role for South Africa at the recently-concluded Cosafa Women’s Championship.
Williams scored a possible Puskas Award contender when she curled in a brilliant freekick during South Africa’s match with eSwatini at the tournament.
Who is in & who is out?
She will compete with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Andile Dlamini and regular Kaylin Swart for a starting spot in goal while Hildah Magaia, Linda Motlalo, Noxolo Cesane, Shakira O’Malley and Bongeka Gamede are the big names in the squad.
Meanwhile, Thembi Kgatlana will not be available after being granted permission to focus on club commitments with Tigres UANL.
“We never forget players and we are always watching all over the world, so for players like O’Malley and Williams to get a call up is not a surprise,” said Ellis as per SAFA media.
“Going into the matches against Jamaica, we will still be working ourselves and our preparations for the WAFCON. It is always a great thing to win matches, but we are in a preparation phase, and what is important is to get us playing as a unit, conceding less goals, staying compact and converting our chances.”
Ellis looking forward to WAFCON draw
Banyana Banyana played two high-profile matches last month, losing 5-0 to Denmark before a 2-1 defeat to England, and will be hoping for a positive outcome against Jamaica.
Ellis’ side are using the matches to tune up for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations which will take place in Morocco in July 2025 with the draw scheduled for Friday.
“We are looking forward to the WAFCON 2025 draw tomorrow, it's been a while since we played on the continent and we have already begun our preparations to retain our title as African Champions,” added Ellis.
