No room for Banyana striker for Comoros tie

VETERAN striker Noko Matlou has been dropped from Banyana Banyana, who start their African Women’s Championship qualifiers against Comoros on Friday.

Vera Pauw also recalled USbased goalkeeper Roxanne Barker when the Dutch coach announced the team yesterday.

The 28-year-old Matlou did not feature in the team’s 1-0 defeat by Ghana in an international friendly in Dobsonville on Sunday.

Matlou, who is one of the most senior and longest-serving players in the team, could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.

Should Banyana Banyana win the two-legged qualifier, they will play in the finals to be held in Namibia in October.

The top three countries in Namibia will represent Africa at the 2015 Women’s Cup in Canada. The team is: Goalkeepers — Roxanne Barker (Pepperdine University, USA), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thokozile Mndaweni (Croesus)

Defenders – Nothando Vilakazi, Mamello Makhabane (both from Super Falcons), Amanda Sister (Liverpool), Janine van Wyk (JVW), Leandra Smeda (UWC), Letago Madiba (TUT), Refiloe Jane (VUT), Simphiwe Dludlu (Tuks), Nelisiwe Mchunu (JVW)

Midfielders – Amanda Dlamini (UJ), Nomathemba Ntsibande (Springs Home Sweepers), Sanah Mollo (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebogang Ramalepe (Maindis)

Strikers – Shiwe Nogwana (Bloemfontein Celtic), Slindile Ngubane (Durban Ladies), Ode Fulutudilu (Lee University, USA) and Portia Modise (Croesus).

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