The South African women’s national football team has named their final squad to face the Netherlands in a blockbuster international friendly on the 12th of April 2022. Banyana Banyana will be using the high-profile fixture to fine-tune their preparations ahead of this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in July in Morocco.
Five Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies – Andile Dlamini, Tiisetso ‘Bastos’ Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Thalea Smidt, and Melinda Kgadiete were among a strong squad of 22 players that were selected as Coach Desiree Ellis’s side prepares to face one of the strongest women’s teams in world football.
Bastos who recently joined Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Ladies will be aiming to continue her rapid growth with the South African women’s side. Makhubela first made her debut for Banyana Banyana on the 11th of November 2018 against Ghana and also featured at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
The centre-back is a two-time COSAFA Cup winner with the South African women’s team and she was also part of the side that finished as runners-up to Nigeria at the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations which was hosted by Ghana. Overall, Bastos has racked up an impressive 16 caps with the South African women’s team.
The versatile Bastos who plays as a centre-back as well as in defensive midfield and right-back positions was pleased with her latest call-up to the National Team.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be one of the players who have grown with the National Team over the years. From starting with the Under-17 (Bantwana) and moving up to the Under-20 (Basetsana) and now with Banyana Banyana, I have gained so much experience with each step. I am always looking forward to opportunities that will allow me to refine and further improve my game. This friendly clash against the Netherlands will provide me with more valuable experience as we plan ahead of the AWCON,” stated Makhubela.
The Orange Lionesses are currently placed 5th in the FIFA world rankings and were runners-up at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup when they lost 2-0 to eventual winners, the United States of America.
Banyana Banyana will report for camp on the 5th of April and will depart for Europe on the 8th of April 2022.
We are wishing our Brazilians and the entire National team a successful outing against the Netherlands!!!
