Banyana coach Ellis freshens up squad for second-round Afcon qualifier against Lesotho
MASERU – Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has freshened up her squad and brought in new faces for the second-round Africa Women's Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho.
The match takes place on Wednesday at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru (start at 3pm).
Ellis said: "We have brought in some new players as a lot of the overseas-based players are not available.
"It gives us an opportunity to broaden the pool, which is also great for us, bringing in younger players, also giving them an opportunity and refreshing the squad.
"It makes players realise the team belongs to everyone and if they raise their hand we are giving them an opportunity - that is what it's about.
In an effort to to broaden her player pool, Ellis has brought in some younger players to face Lesotho. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
"We have the youngest player here, Karabo [Dhlamini], 16-years-old, from the Under-17 national team and she doesn't look out of place. We have also called in Jessica [Williams] in place of Mapaseka [Mpuru], who couldn't make it because of exams, also from the Under-20s.
"We have also brought back Thato [Letsoso] who has also been part of the setup before. Noko has changed positions as a striker.
"Anyone knows on any given occasion anyone can play. That is what we did in the Cosafa Cup.
"We did the same in Cyprus because we are trying to build a squad where we don't have to rely on one individual, but we can rely on each other."