Banyana’s time to rebuild

Coach has time to check out talent

A year without major competitions will give Banyana Banyana a chance to rebuild.

Banyana, whose last match was a friendly against France in January, will hold a training camp from May 28 to June 1. Caretaker coach Desiree Ellis will have a closer look at new players and prepare for the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations taking place in Ghana, as well as the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup, set to take place in France.

Safa’s delay in announcing a new coach means even though Ellis is looking at new players, it could be pointless if a new coach comes in and picks different players.

“For Banyana Banyana, this is not a busy year in terms of competition, so it was important that we call up players we would love to see up close,” Ellis told Safa media.

“Those that did not make it this time around will surely get a chance next time as we are planning to conduct as many training camps as possible.”

The seven new faces are Koketso Tlailane (TUT), Nkoikoi Mabina (Kanatla Ladies), Kholosa Biyana (UKZN), Lucinda Croy (Santos), Thato Lesoso (UJ) , Zanele Nhlapo (Sundowns) and Philisa Mjambane (Red Roses).