Ellis names squad of 23 for Brazil clash

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named a 23-member squad for the upcoming incoming Brazil tour, making minimal changes to her WAFCON-winning team.

One glaring change, however, is the omission of veteran defender Noko Matlou, who played a starring role alongside Bambanani Mbane in the recent Women's Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco.

It is a forced change though, as she, unfortunately, misses out due to visa issues, according to the coach.

She is replaced by Lonathemba Mhlongo, while Asanda Hadebe is also brought in as backup in the backline as the only changes among the defenders.

Up front, Thembi Kgatlana misses out as she continues her recovery from the Achilles injury sustained in Morocco, with no replacement called up in her absence.

Two clashes against Brazil are set to take place on 2 and 5 September, with the first match set for Orlando Stadium at 18:00 while the venue for the second is yet to be confirmed.

Full Banyana squad:

GK: Andile Dlamini (Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)

DEF: Karabo Dhlamini (Oakland University), Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower WFC), Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk), Janine van Wyk (JVW), Bambanani Mbane (Sundowns), Bongeka Gumede (UWC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC)

MID: Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo), Nomvula Kgaola (Unattached), Linda Motlhalo (Djurgadens), Thalea Smidt (Sundowns), Robyn Moodaly (JVW), Kholosa Biyana (Unattached), Amogelang Motau (UWC), Thubelihle Shamase (UJ)

FOR: Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez), Melinda Kgadiete (Sundowns), Noxolo Cesane (UWC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto)