Banyana to use Senegal friendlies to track progress ahead of WAFCON

Coach Desiree Ellis named her 23-member squad for the two upcoming fixtures during the upcoming FIFA break on 31 May and on 4 June in Senegal.

Swart, who will be joined in camp by Royal AM goalkeeper Katlego Moletsane and TS Galaxy Queens’ number-one Dineo Magagula, believes playing against the West Africans will help the team build chemistry among different combinations.

"The importance of having regular camps and friendly games is really a big step in our progress and how well we do as a team – the more we get together, the better chemistry there is on the field," said Swart.

"So I do think this is important, and it will also show where we are in this stage, after not qualifying for the Olympics, so I do think it's obviously for the coaches to see in which direction do we go [from here]."

Banyana have the big task of defending their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown, with Swart highlighting it will take grit and determination to remain at the helm of African women’s football. 

"Defending a championship is always a tough task, but I do think we as Banyana have grown so much over the years, and I think the coach is very excited for what's to come," she added.

"The new faces coming in will definitely boost the squad, and I think it will take so much grit and determination because everyone is going to want to beat the reigning champs. 

"So I think it is going to be a tough task, but it is one I think we are capable of completing – no doubt, it will be tough, I think all the teams have grown so much from the last WAFCON in Morocco, but we have what it takes to defend our title."

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