AFCON winners South Africa will now make their journey to Australia and New Zealand for their second Women’s World Cup participation. In consecutive appearances, Banyana Banyana will hope to do a lot better than their debut tournament in 2019. The team is capable of pulling upsets as they did in their run to be the best in the continent but the Women’s World Cup will be a different stage altogether.
History
South Africa made their debut in the Women’s World Cup four years ago in France. Their first tournament did not go as planned with Desiree Ellis’s side finishing bottom of their group. To be fair to them, they were sharing the group with two European heavyweights in Germany and Spain with Asian powerhouse China as well. However, they entered the history book with their first-ever goal in the tournament scored by Thembi Kgatlana with a screamer. They took the lead in the match but Spain roared back to secure a 3-1 comeback victory. That was the only time they found the net as they went on to lose 1-0 against China and thrashed 4-0 by Germany in the next two matches. South Africa was eliminated with no points on board and eight goals conceded.
Qualification for Women’s World Cup
By virtue of winning the AFCON last year, the national women’s team of South Africa qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the second time in their history. They also entered the stage for consecutive times. The Banyana girls defeated Morocco 2-1 in the final with a brace from star attacker Hildah Magaia. South Africa topped their group consisting of Nigeria, Botswana and Burundi. It sets them with a clash against Tunisia in the quarterfinal and then Zambia in the semifinals, a 1-0 victory against both.
South Africa Squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC), Kebotseng Moletsane (Royal AM)
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Fikile Magama (UWC), Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Noko Matlou (SD Eibar), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongeka Gamede (UWC)
Midfielders: Kholosa Biyana (UWC), Refiloe Jane (Sassuolo), Sibulele Holweni (UWC), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City), Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy), Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
Forwards: Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC), Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez), Noxolo Cesane (Tigres), Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns), Wendy Shongwe (University of Pretoria), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto), Thembi Kgatlana (Racing Louisville)
Head Coach: Desiree Ellis
Strength
The strength of the side will be their unity. South Africa’s defensive solidity brought them their first AFCON triumph and they will express it on the big stage now. Another key factor for the Banyana girls is striking the right balance with the defence and attack. Their speed and precision on the counter will be effective. They also have goal poachers in the squad like Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia who are known to score in clutch moments of matches. Players with World Cup experience will be necessary for the squad as well.
Weakness
Despite all of it, the caliber of opposition in the group will be too much for the team to handle. It will not be a surprise if the team find themselves in the same situation as in their debut campaign four years ago. Even though the side will be happy to concede possession, not having proper control of the game is catastrophic if they let others settle on the ball.
Key Player: Andile Dlamini
The forwards will be crucial for South Africa to churn out results if they can by troubling defences. Yet, number one Andile Dlamini looks to be the most pivotal one. Maybe keeping clean sheets will be a far reach in this tournament but her shot-stopping should drive motivation in the side. In 2019, her performance between the sticks ranked praise even though conceding a ton of goals. Also, she will be a handful of players from the last roster carrying the experience to guide the team.
How will South Africa Lineup at the Women’s World Cup?
South Africa is likely to stick with the lineup that clinched the maiden Cup of Nations title. The familiar 4-4-1-1 formation will be in function at the Women’s World Cup as well.
South Africa 2023 Women’s World Cup Fixtures
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