The match against neighbours Zimbabwe will take place on Saturday at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton and coach Joseph Mkhonza admits it was a very difficult decision to offload the three players.
Durban Ladies defender Charlotte Mshengu and goalkeepers in Mahlatsi Mogola of TUT Ladies and Primrose Ndlozi of TK Stars will not join the squad as they continue their preparations for the friendly against Zimbabwe.
“This was not an easy process. I didn’t know who to leave behind and, to be honest, it was a very difficult decision to make,” Mkhonza says. “The three players I dropped were just unfortunate, but the door is not shut on them; they should just continue training hard and they will be rewarded.”
Banyana are in high spirits following the 5-0 thrashing of Mozambique at the Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday.
The friendly against Mozambique allowed Mkhonza to experiment with new combinations and at the same time award five new players with their first caps.
“Following yesterday’s excellent performance I believe we are growing into a formidable squad. I gave five new players some international experience and I personally felt their performance was outstanding though there are still areas that need attention. But with time, that can be worked out.
“Given what we have seen over the past two weeks, we have the potential to grow as a national team and rise in rankings on the continent as well as in the world.”
BANYANA SQUAD
Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosingiphile Zungu (Remax Shooting Stars), Gabisile Hlumbane (Kovsies Ladies), Nothando Vilakazi (Super Falcons), Nelisiwe Mchunu (Moroka Swallows), Lebogang Mabatle (Zebra Force), Janine van Wyk (Mondeor Meteors Ladies), Nwabisa Kolisi (City Lads), Amanda Dlamini, Memory Makhanya, Silindile Ngubane, Zamandosi Cele (all Durban Ladies), Nocawe Skit (Cape Town Roses), Nomathemba Ntsibande (Springs Home Sweepers), Nomawethu Nyusani (Coastal United Ladies), Noko Matlou (MaIndies), Zingawe Phakathi (United Ladies), Shiwe Nogwanya (Celtics)