The Sundowns Ladies duo of Melinda Kgadiete and Tiisetso ‘Bastos’ Makhubela have given their thoughts ahead of South Africa’s high-profile international friendly against the Netherlands on the 12th of April 2022.
Both players were among five Sundowns Ladies who made the strong squad of 22 names selected by Coach Desiree Ellis for the Dutch clash. The other three players called up were Andile Dlamini, Bambanani Mbane and Thalea Smidt.
Kgadiete who has become a constant feature in the Banyana Banyana set-up expressed her happiness at her latest national call-up.
“It is always exciting to get the nod for the national team and it is a massive privilege to represent the country whenever I am called upon. It always shows that there is something good that I am doing which is always acknowledged by the coaching crew. Being named as one of the best players in the country is something that gives me joy and it means a lot. As a team, we are looking forward to the clash because we are playing against a formidable opponent. I am very excited to be part of the team for this important national assignment,” Kgadiete stated.
Like Melinda, Bastos is no stranger to the South African women’s national football team. Makhubela who recently joined Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Ladies will be aiming to continue her impressive run with the South African women’s side. The two-time COSAFA Cup winner spoke on the readiness for the massive clash against the Orange Lionesses.
“I feel so excited to be part of the national team just weeks after joining the Masandawana family. The game against the Netherlands will provide us with the much-needed opportunity to test our strength against one of the best women’s teams on the planet. The mood in the camp is high and we are ready for the game,” Bastos declared.
Coach Desiree Ellis’s troops 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.
“Warm-up games are as important as the major tournaments and that is the mentality we have as a team. These games give us a taste of what to expect and we never take them for granted because they help to build one’s fitness, resilience, and mentality. Playing against a top-ranked team will go a long way in boosting our morale ahead of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations,” concluded Kgadiete.
We are wishing our Brazilians and the entire Banyana Banyana squad a successful outing against the Netherlands!!!
