Ellis names strong Banyana squad as Turkish Women's Cup hangs in balance after earthquake

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis named a strong 26-player squad for the Turkish Women's Cup scheduled to take place next week.

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The 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations champions take on hosts Turkey on Wednesday, 15 February before testing themselves against Uzbekistan (18 February) and Venezuela (21 February).

However, the tournament is hanging in the balance after a major earthquake of magnitude 7.8 hit central Turkey and northwest Syria on Monday. 

"I'd like to pass on my condolences to Turkey and Syria with [the] recent earthquake that just happened," Ellis noted before revealing the squad during a nationally televised live broadcast of the announcement.

"We are waiting on the embassy and the organisers to give us new feedback and developments. But as of now, we'll be preparing for the Turkish Cup."

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kayla Swart, Regirl Ngobeni, Katlego Moletswane.

Defenders: Asande Hadebe, Karabo Dhlamomo, Fikile Magama, Faith Owuso, Tiiseto Makhubeela, Noko Matlou, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gumeda.

Midfielders: Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Thalea Smidt, Robyn Moodaly, Amagelang Motau.

Forwards: Noxolo Cesane, Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Melinda Kgadiete, Nthabiseng Majiya, Hildah Magaia, Lelola Daweti.

The tournament is scheduled to start on Monday, 13 February and commences on Thursday, 23 February.

All the matches will be played at the Gold City Sport Complex based in Alyana.