Banyana Banyana without key players for Denmark clash

Thembi Kgatlana, Sinoxolo Cesane (both Mexico-based), as well as Linda Motlhalo and Hilda Magaia (both USA-based) were all unable to secure travel permits to Denmark, but will be available for the England fixture in Coventry next Tuesday.

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis explains more.

"There are a few players that weren't able to make the trip, especially our international players playing abroad, like Thembi, Hildah, Sinoxolo, and Linda, due to residence permit issues they couldn't get visas," said Ellis.

"But we have a good enough squad here to be able to put out a good performance, and then we'll meet up with them in the UK."

Saudi Arabia-based Noxolo Cesane as well as the Shamase twin sisters, Sphumelele and Thubelihle, who play in Lithuania, have managed to report for duty.

The team already concluded preparations for the clash against Denmark, with this the first-ever meeting between the two nations, but Ellis says the players know what’s expected.

"We're really excited, the enthusiasm was there, we worked on a few things obviously, after we haven't played in a couple of months, so it was just getting them to gel together," she added.

"I thought it went really, really well, I was really impressed because, after a long while [apart], it's not what you'd expect, but I think the players are really committed to doing well on this tour.

"We all know what we're preparing for – it's the WAFCON, and I think everybody needs to raise their hands."

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