JOHANNESBURG – Desiree Ellis, the head coach of Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s women’s national soccer team, announced the final 23-member squad that will represent the country at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
This will be the team’s second World Cup appearance following their debut in France in 2019. The squad was finalised after trimming down from an initial pool of 36 players.
In preparation for the tournament, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has taken steps to prioritize the mental health of the players.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao revealed that a mental health coach has been brought on board to support the team, similar to the approach taken during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2018.
The decision to include a psychologist and mental health coach has proved beneficial in helping the players overcome mental barriers and perform at their best.
Monyepao emphasised the importance of addressing mental challenges in sports and acknowledged that the mental health coach has been instrumental in helping the players block out distractions and maintain focus.
SAFA is committed to taking mental health seriously in sports participation, recognizing its impact on the overall performance and well-being of athletes.
Under Ellis’ guidance, Banyana Banyana achieved their first continental triumph in 2022, securing a 2-1 victory over Morocco in the AFCON final, which also secured their qualification for the World Cup.
Banyana Banyana finds themselves placed in Group G for the upcoming tournament, alongside Argentina, Sweden, and Italy.
They will kick off their campaign on 23 July against Sweden at Wellington Stadium, followed by matches against Argentina on 28 July and Italy on 2 August.
Having faced three defeats in the group stage during their previous World Cup appearance, the team is determined to secure their first World Cup victory this time around.
Meanwhile, the United States women’s soccer team enters the tournament with aspirations of winning their third consecutive title and their fifth overall.
No team, whether in men’s or women’s soccer, has achieved a three-peat.
A fifth title for the US women’s team would put them on par with Brazil’s men’s team in terms of World Cup victories.
BANYANA BANYANA WORLD CUP FINAL FULL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Kebotseng Moletsane,
DEFENDERS
Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Noko Matlou, Bambani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede
MIDFIELDERS
Kholosa Biyana, Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nomvula Kgoale, Robyn Moodaly
FORWARDS
Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana.
