Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced her 23-woman squad for an International Friendly against Serbia preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ellis’ charges will play their opening match at the World Cup against Sweden on 23 July 2023. Africa’s champions will also face Argentina and Italy in Group G.

Also read: Banyana Banyana celebrate Turkish Women’s Cup triumph

South Africa’s football team coach did not announce many changes to the squad, as it almost resembled the team that won the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations and recent friendly matches.

Notable absentees are Mamelodi Sundowns’ forward Melinda Kgadiete and former captain Janine van Wyk. The two were included in the Wafcon winning squad. Besides them, there were no other surprises when coach Ellis named her 23-woman squad.

Banyana players will travel on Thursday, 6 April to Serbia where they will play a friendly against that country’s national team on the 10th.

DESIREE ELLIS’S 23-WOMAN FINAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)

Regirl Ngobeni (UWC FC)

DEFENDERS

Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Fikile Magama (UWC FC)

Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC FC)

Noko Matlou (SD Eibar)

Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Bongeka Gamede (UWC FC)

MIDFIELDERS

Refiloe Jane (Sassuolo FC)

Sibulele Holweni (UWC FC)

Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City)

Kholosa Biyana (UWC FC)

Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy)

Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)

FORWARDS

Noxolo Cesane (Tigres femenil)

Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC)

Sphumelele Shamase (UJ FC)

Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez)

Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies)

Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto)

Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Wendy Shongwe (TUKS FC)