Kgatlana Returns For Japan Friendlies In Osaka
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced a 23-player squad for next month’s back-to-back away international friendlies against Japan women’s national football team.
The two nations will meet in the first clash on Saturday, 6 June, at Nagai Ballgame Field, before facing off again on Tuesday, 9 June, at J-GREEN Sakai.
The fixtures mark the return of overseas-based duo Thembi Kgatlana and Bongeka Gamede, who both missed the Algeria camp through injury.
However, South Africa will be without Lebohang Ramalepe, who is writing exams, while Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia and Shakira O’Malley were not selected due to injury concerns.
“It is unfortunate to have those players unavailable, but it is also good to welcome back Thembi and Bongeka, as well as Isabella and Asanda, who were with us during the COSAFA camp in February,” said Ellis.
“It has been difficult to assess and select players outside of the previous two camps (COSAFA and Algeria), so I am really grateful that the league is starting in its current format, as it will give us a great opportunity to monitor and assess players in one place.”
The matches against Japan follow two victories over Algeria as the 2022 African champions continue preparations for the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The tournament has been rescheduled to take place from 25 July to 16 August, and Ellis believes the encounters against Japan will provide a strong test of the team’s readiness.
“Of course, these are two big games against Japan, who are ranked fifth in the world and are also the current Asian champions. We know the qualities they possess, and they will challenge us in a very different way to Algeria,” said Ellis.
“As we prepare for WAFCON, these are exactly the types of challenges we need to identify what we still have to improve on, because nothing is perfect yet.
“Japan will be completely different from Algeria — very possession-based, with excellent movement off the ball — so we really have to be at our best defensively.
“But it is also about what we do when we have possession, and that will be key. It will definitely be a challenge, and a different one to what we are likely to face at WAFCON.”
Banyana Banyana will assemble for camp in Johannesburg on Sunday, 31 May, before departing for Japan the following day.
