Refiloe Jane says absence of key Banyana players against Jamaica will affect the team

South Africa takes on the Reggae Girlz Saturday morning but will be without key players for the two international friendlies.

Missing in action for various reasons are Jane, Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Hilda Magaia, Nthabiseng Majiya and Sinoxolo Cesane, among others.

But the skipper hopes those in the team will raise their hands and make it difficult for the technical team to consider others.

"Playing without the known key players will affect the team but it also gives the other players a chance to showcase their talent because this is an opportunity for them to play. Sometimes they don't get to play when the key players are there but now that they are not there then it's their time to step up,” Jane said.

“So, we are gonna see a lot of players needing to take a leadership role, players needing to lead the team in the absence of the others. So, we are hoping that the players that will be given a chance will pull the weight, will raise their hands and make sure that they make it difficult for the coaches to consider other players."

READ: Confirmed: Brandon Truter leaves Richards Bay

Jane adds that the game is also for other players to cement their place in the team.

"Two friendly games against Jamaica, very important matches for the team. Firstly, I wanna give credit to the association [SAFA] and the sponsor, Sasol for helping in organising such friendly games,” she added.

“We know they are very important in preparing the team for the upcoming WAFCON where the team is looking forward to defending the title. These games also give other players a chance to play, to be seen and to cement their place in the national team."

The Banyana skipper believes the clashes against Jamaica and the previous two vs Denmark and England are crucial as they help measure where the team is.

"Always playing international teams from Europe or from the USA, you get to measure yourself in terms of the standard of play. We have our league which is the Hollywoodbets Super League which is our highest league and it's not professional and you only get to be professional when you get to the national team.

“So, in that regard, you are able to measure yourself on how much work you still need to do on so many levels tactically, technically and so on. So, such games are very important for the players, not only for the coaches."