-Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced a 24-member squad to face Nigeria in the final round of a highly anticipated CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier.
The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team will travel to Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday 31 March 2024 where they will take on the Super Falcons in the first leg on Friday, 5 April 2024 at the MKO Abiola Stadium before returning home for the second leg on 9 April 2024 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
The winner will become one of the two African nations to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics in July 2024.
Ellis made seven changes to the squad that faced Tanzania in the third round of the qualifiers with the return of Bambanani Mbane, Refiloe Jane, Regirl Ngobeni, Sibulele Holweni, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bongeka Gamede and the addition of Nonhlanhla Mthandi.
The team assembled for camp on Monday 25 March 2024 in Pretoria for a local preparation camp before the coach made her final selection, which was scheduled for Thursday 28 March but was postponed as she still wanted to work on more combinations.
“I was suppose to announce the squad on Thursday but I decided to push it by two more days because I wanted to make sure that we give players a fair chance, and get the right combinations that can get us a positive result against Nigeria,” said Ellis.
“Like coach Thinasonke Mbuli (Assistant coach) said, this is the final round of a boxing match.”
Ellis also opted to take 24 players instead of 23 and explained that her decision was based on the magnitude of the game and ensuring she has players that can change things.
“We have also decided to take 24 players instead of the 23 to make sure we have the players for every eventuality.”
Tickets for the return leg at Loftus Versfeld on 9 April 2024 can be purchased at
