Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis recently trimmed her preliminary squad for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Wafcon, from 48 to 28.
The defending champions are hoping to successfully defend their continental crown in Morocco from July 5-26. South Africa have been placed in Group C alongside perennial rivals Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.
However, the 62-year-old Ellis will have to do without the services of established attacker Thembi Kgatlana.
Who made the squad?
Have a look at the preliminary squad by Banyana Banyana's technical team.
Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon
Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O’Malley, Gabriella Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo
Midfielders: Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Regina Mogolola, Linda Mothlalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Noxolo Cesane, Michelle Sampson
Forwards: Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronell Donnely
Why is Thembi Kgatlana out of the squad?
The 29-year-old Tigres UANL attacker has been a key player for Banyana Banyana since making her debut in 2016 during the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
It was a shock when she failed to make the Wafcon squad, and Afrik-Foot has since learned that she asked to be excused owing to personal reasons. It is a massive blow to South Africa, who are aiming to successfully defend their crown.
Coach Ellis will name her final 23-man squad for the annual competition on Monday, June 23. A few new faces are expected to make the team as the tactician starts rebuilding and phasing out older players ahead of forthcoming international assignments.
