Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced her final 23-member squad to represent South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be co-hosted in Australia and New Zealand from July 20– 20, 2023.

The SASOL-sponsored Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions are among the four African nations that will represent the continent at the global showpiece alongside Zambia, Morocco, and Nigeria.

Ellis announced the squad at a glittering ceremony held at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane on Friday, June 23, 2023, in an event attended by Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Zizi Kodwa, South African Football Association President Dr Danny Jordaan, CEO Lydia Monyepao, Sasol Executive Vice President for Human Resources and Stakeholder Relations Charlotte Mokoena, and several other ministers and dignitaries.

The Banyana Banyana coach thanked her staff and players for the enormous amount of work they have delivered in the last few days during the selection and preparation camp. Ellis said the process has not been easy, and taking the final decisions on the final team and the three standby players was tough.

“It has been a tough week,” she said, adding that it might not have been easy for the players as much as it was also not easy for her as the coach. “If I could, I would have taken every one, but unfortunately, I can only take 23 players.”

“Thank you for the hard work that each and every one of you has put in, and this is not the end of it. It still needs to continue, and it will get more challenging from here because the World Cup stage is a different ball game.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the whole group of 36 players (in the preliminary squad) for their enthusiasm, commitment, and competitiveness during this time. I would also like to thank the staff for always giving their best.”

“We would like to congratulate all the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana players who have been chosen to represent South Africa in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. We want to thank you for your dedication and hard work throughout the selection camp. We worked hard in the past few months, and everyone has put their best foot forward to ensure that we are properly prepared for this adventure. I would want to appeal to my fellow 60 million South Africans to continue sending messages of support, since these give the players encouragement to do their best at the Women’s World Cup,” said Mokoena.

Banyana Banyana Final World Cup Squad:

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, and Kebotseng Moletsane

Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Noko Matlou, and Bongeka Gamede

Midfielders: Kholosa Biyana, Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nomvula Kgoale, and Robyn Moodaly

 Forwards: Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, and Thembi Kgatlana.

Standby: Nthabiseng Majiya, Amogelang Motau, and Regirl Ngobeni