AWCON: We have players who can do the job- S/A coach Ellis

 

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis maintained her firm stance on the continued exclusion of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies striker Andisiwe Mgcoyi, saying the players at her disposal can do the job.

Mgcoyi was the most notable omission in the 26-player squad for the African Women’s Cup of Nations that starts in Morocco next month.

Mgcoyi hasn’t featured in the national teams for a while despite her excellent form for her club at local and continental level.

Ellis, who has picked six forwards in her World Cup group, said many other players could have made the squad.

“I would expect you to ask a question about the squad, but as I have said before, there are a lot of players who have been in the squad,” Ellis said.

“Not just her. There are many other players, but the way we want to play and how we want to play, we need to select the players that we think will do the job for us.

“That’s what we’ve done and there are many other players who could have made the squad and they’re not here.”

Another player missing, but for different reasons, is JWV FC forward Gabriela Salgado.

The 24-year-old suffered a freak collarbone injury in a Hollywoodbets Super League game and that ruled her out of the tournament.

Ellis said Salgado’s all-round presence in the team will be missed.

“Gabby hasn’t just grown in leaps and bounds for Banyana, but for her club as well,” Ellis said.

“There’s nothing you couldn’t ask of Gabby and she’d deliver. She’s almost a five-in-one player and excels in any department that she’s put in.

“The timing of her injury, the 90th-minute, was such a freakish one, but that’s the nature of sport and could have been the result of fatigue.

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“Her injury was unfortunate, but it does open the opportunity for someone else.”

Banyana Banyana squad for 2022 Awcon

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)

Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk), Janine Van Wyk (JVW), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongeka Gamede (UWC), Noko Matlou (Eibar)

Midfielders: Refiloe Jane (AC Milan), Nomvula Kgoale (Parquesdesol), Linda Motlhalo (Djugardens), Thalea Smidt (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kholosa Biyela (Sporting Gijon), Amogelang Motau (UWC), Robin Moodaly (JVW), Sibulele Holweni (UWC)

Forwards: Jermaine Seopesenwe (Braga), Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns), Noxolo Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies), Thembi Kgatlana (Atletico Madrid), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto)

Standby players: Kebotseng Moletsane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Thubelihle Shamase