Magaia included in South Africa's final squad for Women’s World Cup
Star striker Hildah Magaia has been named in South Africa's final squad to represent the nation at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup next month.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis announced her final squad on Friday ahead of the competition scheduled to take place in New Zealand and Australia from 20 July to 20 August.
The coach kept the core of her side, which includes Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies players, that finished second at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League last season.
Notable inclusions in Ellis’ squad include TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2022 Final star, Hildah Magaia who netted a brace in the nation’s historic win over Morocco enroute to being crowned queens of Africa in Rabat last year.
TotalEnergies WAFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Andile Dlamini retains her place as the first choice shot-stopper, while the team’s longest serving member, Noko Matlou will be trusted by Ellis to provide leadership in Banyana Banyana’s defence, alongside the tried and tested Bambanani Mbane of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
Captaining the squad will be the ever-green Refiloe Jane who brings endless creativity in Ellis’ midfield department, while the dangerous forward and former CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Thembi Kgatlana will be vice-captain alongside Dlamini.
The reigning African champions, who were also voted the best national women’s team at last year’s CAF Awards are one of four nations representing Africa at the world showpiece along with Morocco, Nigeria and southern African counterparts, Zambia.
Ellis, who herself donned the women’s national team jersey as captain will be hoping to carry on from where she left off when she led South Africa to their first ever TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, and subsequently voted CAF Women’s Coach of the Year.
South Africa FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Squad:
GOALKEEPERS:
Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Kebotseng Moletsane (Royal AM).
DEFENDERS:
Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Fikile Magama (UWC FC), Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Noko Matlou (SD Eidbar), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Bongeka Gamede (UWC).
MIDFIELDERS:
Kholosa Biyana (UWC), Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo FC), Sibulele Holweni (UWC), Linda Mothlalo (Glasgow City), Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy), Robyn Moodaly (JCW FC).
FORWARDS:
Gabriela Salgado (JVW), Jermaine Seopesenwe (CF Monterrey), Noxolo Cesane (Unattached), Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Wendy Shongwe (University of Pretoria), Hilda Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto), Thembi Kgatlana (Racing Louisville).
STANDBY PLAYERS: