Banyana test depth in win against Lesotho

The international friendly against Lesotho on Sunday provided Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis with an opportunity to test the team’s depth, she said.

Banyana started their buildup to their 2020 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier in June on a good note with a 3-0 win over Lesotho on Sunday.

A brace from Rhoda Mulaudzi and another goal by Sibulele Holweni helped the SA team claim a solid win against the Crocodiles at the Tsakane Stadium, in Gauteng.

Ellis played without overseas-based players and also left out some of the domestic regulars such as Leandra Smeda, Nothando Vilakazi, captain Janine van Wyk, Noko Matlou and Kaylin Swart.

“We said we were going to use the match to have a look at players, test players, to make the pool bigger to get more depth and I think we did that against Lesotho,” Ellis said.

“We called on the 20 players who we wanted to have in the match day squad.

“I think when people look at where Karabo Dhlamini and Sibulele Holweni both played — those are the two most versatile players that we have.

“Sibulele played left-back at the Word Cup and against the USA she played as an attacking midfielder, she’s a footballer. The same with Karabo.

“Then you have the energy of Noxolo Cesane coming on. I thought that really helped.

“It gave us energy in the second half, so I think it was a worthwhile exercise because the players that came on had not played regularly.

“We were able to see what else they had to offer in terms of where they normally play.”

The coach said Karabo Makhurubetshi fitted in perfectly at left-back.

“Bongeka Gamede slotted in for the first time in centre-back and you would not say that she was playing there for the first time.

“During the Cosafa Cup she played at left-back.

“We have a lot of players who can cover a lot of positions and that will give us more depth.”

Ellis said she would be spoilt for choice when her regular players returned.

“It’s better to have a headache than not to have one.

“It also makes players improve on their performance because there is someone pushing them. That can only make for better performances and results,” Ellis said.