South Africa's Banyana Banyana Commence 2012 Olympic Games Preparation

Head coach of the Senior Women’s National team, Joseph Mkhonza, has called up thirty eight (38) players for camp to fitness tests and training. This is part of the plans to prepare the team for the 2012 London Olympic Games.


Since the formation of Banyana Banyana in 1993, this is the first time they qualified for the Olympic Games. This is a great achievement for women’s football in general, and a proud moment for the South African Football Association (SAFA).


During this camp, the players will go for scientific testing and training at the High Performance Centre based at the University of Potchefstroom from 19 to 23 October 2011. The team will be separated into two squads which will enable them to play a practice match on Saturday (22 October 2011) in Sasolburg.


Mkhonza says that early preparations augur well for international competition.


“Since this will be the first time Banyana Banyana participates in the Olympic Games, I want to ensure that the team’s fitness levels are up to where they should be when we get to London because it will be a competitive tournament for the girls next year. I want to ensure that we play to our best potential in London without worrying about the players fitness levels. I have seen some of the nations that have been taking part in international competitions, the first thing you notice is that they are extremely fit and we need to work towards that,” said Mkhonza.


Most of  the players called up for this camp took part in the final Olympic qualifiers, while some are from the squad that was at the All Africa Games in August. Mkhonza has also called up players he identified during the Sasol National Championships who have never been given an opportunity to participate in National team activity.


“It is important to get a good mix of players and build a strong squad leading up to the tournament. I have players coming from last season’s Sasol League National Championship, as well as some players coming from the international clubs who would like to represent South Africa in the Olympics. I believe this is the best time to give them a chance,” said Mkhonza.


Team List

1. Thokozile Mndaweni,Crousers FC
2. Andile Dlamini,Sundowns ladies FC
3. Andisiwe Mgcoyi,Sundowns
4. Lebohang Mabatle,Zebra Force
5. Nondyebo Mgudu,Durban Ladies
6. Sizakele Thwala.Newcastle Ladies
7. Cindy Meyer,TUKS
8. Nothando Vilakazi,Palace super Falcons
9. Simphiwe Masina.Detroit Ladies
10. Nomthandazo Kubheka,Richardsbay Vultures
11. Nomathemba Ntsibande,Springs homesweepers
12. Yola Jafta.University of JHB
13. Sanah Mollo,Celtics FC
14. Tina Selepe,Palace Super Falcons
15. Amanda Sister,Liverpool Ladies
16. Mamello Makhabane,Palace Super Falcons
17. Zama Cele,Durban ladies
18. Gabisile Hlumbane,Kovsies
19. Nkosingiphile Zungu,Barcelona Ladies
20. Memory Makhanya,Durban Ladies
21. Nocawe Skiti,Cape Town Roses
22. Noko Matlou,UJ
23. Amanda Dlamini,UJ
24. Mary Ntsweng,TUT
25. Zanele Sukazi,UJ
26. Leandra Smeda,Cape town Roses
27. Sebata Molatelo,MaIndies
28. Janine Van Wyk,Super Falcons
29. Jermaine Seopesenwe,Santos
30. Lebogang Ramalepe,Brazillians FC
31. Karabo,Maestro
32. Janice Jafta,Milano
33. Ntsetshana Mputle,Royal Queens
34. Leah Sethunya.Maluti FET
35. Amanda Tati,UWC
36. Robin Suskin,Between clubs
37. Lerato Mokoena,Maluti FET
38. Tshoene Morifi,Detriot Ladies

safa.net