Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is using the two international friendly matches against the US to build a team for the 2027 World Cup.
Safa is bidding to host the 2027 World Cup.
The team has arrived safely in the US and are already preparing for their first match on Thursday.
The US, former Fifa Women’s World Cup champions, will host the African champions in Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium on Thursday and in Chicago at the Soldier Field on Sunday.
Ellis has named a strong squad to face the US women’s national team in the two matches.
Though Ellis has kept faith with the majority of the players who blazed a historic trail in the Fifa Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand recently, she introduces new blood for the future.
The injured Refiloe Jane and Bambanani Mbane were not part of the travelling squad and were replaced by Lonathemba Mhlongo and Sinoxolo Cesane.
“It’s a new cycle to see who will fit in, who can step up and who we can take on our journey. Five players who were at the World Cup are not here. The Olympic Games qualifiers in October are not far in our minds, we have to test ourselves in the two matches,” said Ellis upon the team’s arrival in the US.
“The first day after travelling a long distance is always very difficult, but I think all the players look enthusiastic and excited to be together and playing again. It is extremely hot, not the kind of weather we are used to.
“We knew these games were going to come very soon after the Fifa World Cup – so, we went with players who have been playing regularly and obviously with withdrawals in certain positions due to injuries. That was going to be an opportunity for others to raise their hands and to step up so we can see we them with us on our journey,” she added.
Ellis mentioned that it’s always easier when playing at home because they have access to more players.
“We had some withdrawals, and it was difficult to replace players and to get visas. We hope that the players who are here do not get injured because we can see the enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to play. We have enough players to be able to rotate and to give all an opportunity. We want to get a result. We want to test all the players,” she said.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa
