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Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis says she will be looking to test the team’s versatility in the two international friendlies against Malawi.
Ellis has lined up a blend of youth and experience in her 23-player squad to host the Scorchers at UJ Soweto Campus on Saturday and Tuesday.
Ellis adds they want to cover all their bases as they step into the next stage of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations preparations.
"Being on form plays a huge part. We like to mix younger players with experienced players, and what we are looking for in this crop is the level of versatility," said Ellis.
"We know we might be faced with injuries, sometimes players are not feeling well, and it becomes a problem if you haven’t covered all your bases, so I think this will help us to prepare well."
The 62-year-old mentor further stated the two matches will open room for younger players to raise their hands to be selected for the final WAFCON squad.
"Look, we had the camp against Lesotho and we wanted to have a look at the players to make the core group bigger, so we wanted to make sure some of the players who did well against Lesotho are brought in with the most senior group to see how they raise their levels.," she explained.
"And it is an opportunity for them to raise their hands for WAFCON because the final squad has not been selected yet."
Ellis, meanwhile, praised national team veterans Noko Matlou and Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who will be retiring from international football after the current camp.
“I have been intentional about giving Noko a send-off at home, it will be more meaningful as family and friends can be a part of it. I look forward to it. Noko and Mpumi are faithful servants of the game and we have to honour them," she concluded.
