Johannesburg - Midfielder Amanda Dlamini and goalkeeper Monnye Theledi have been called up to replace the injured Nompumelelo Nyandeni and Roxanne Barker in the Banyana Banyana squad to face France in an international friendly. The match will be played on Sunday, January 22 in Saint-Denis, Reunion Islands with the match starting at 7pm SA time.
Barker (toe) and Nyandeni (knee) were withdrawn from the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana squad last Friday as they are still nursing injuries.
Dlamini last played for the national team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in August. She missed the friendly match against Zimbabwe as well as the CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon in November.
This is the first call up for Theledi.
“We opted for Amanda Dlamini because of her experience after we lost the services of Nyandeni and when you play the likes of top nations like France, experience counts a lot.
"With limited time before the clash we know what Amanda can do so it was a logical choice,” said Banyana Banyana interim head coach Desiree Ellis.
“As for Theledi, she was identified at the 2016 Sasol League National Championship in Mossel Bay.
"We could have called up other goalkeepers who have been in the system before but we thought we have two quality goalkeepers and the third is unlikely to play, so it was best to bring her (Theledi) in so she can get some experience the Banyana Banyana set up."
The South Africans depart for Reunion Islands on Thursday.
Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Andile Dlamini, Yolula Tsawe, Monnye Theledi
Defenders:
Nothando Vilakazi, Jannie van Wyk, Noko Matlou, Bambanani Mbane, Legogang Mabatle, Legohang Ramalepe, Zinhle Chabaku
Midfielders:
Amanda Dlamini, Thembi Kgatlana, Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Slindile Ngubane, Gabriela Salgado
Strikers:
Rhoda Mulaudzi, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Shiwe Nogwanya, Bontle Mathilo.