Shamase Twins World Cup experience may give them advantage – Dunga

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis on Monday announced a 36-member preliminary squad, which included the UJ duo.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Dunga reckons having represented the country in the U-17 World Cup in Uruguay in 2018 may come in handy for the twins.

"Ja, definitely, I think having gone to the under-17 World Cup, they have that experience that a lot of people are looking for, and they naturally will not have the nerves that everyone [usually has]," argued Modiko.

"I think having played at the U17 World Cup stands them a good chance [of making the final senior Women's World Cup squad], they will also be able to share some similar experiences or guide other players within the squad if they were to make it.

"So, I think having been through the under-17s and now being at the senior level, it's the World Cup, it's a big one either way, whether you are at the junior level or at the senior, the experience will come in handy for them and also for the rest of the camp."

The former Banyana captain, who won bronze with the national team in the 2010 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations says their call-ups mean a lot to her as their coach.

"[Their call-ups] mean a lot to us as a club, and to me as their coach, and I think, similarly, it means so much to them. It's a big call-up and a step closer to making it into that final squad that Coach Desiree's trying to put together for the World Cup," she added.

"I think every player in the world would love to see themselves playing for their national teams, and moreover to play in the prestigious World Cup event, so this is so, so amazing and I can only say that we are proud of them, and we wish them well."