Squad World Cup Women 2023 South Africa: Preliminary squad of 36 players known
The squad for the 2023 Sotuh Africa Women’s World Cup arrives calmly in Australia and New Zealand and are confident they will cause a stir, despite this tournament being only their second ever appearance at a World Cup.
South Africa, currently the African champions, will take on Sweden, Argentina and Italy in the group stage of the World Cup, and they are hoping for a better performance than in 2019. Three defeats against Spain, China and Germany were not the best show , and Desiree Ellis’ side wants to redeem herself in the summer.
Last year’s Africa Cup of Nations victory against Morocco highlights the quality they have in the squad, although recent results suggest there is still work to be done. Indeed, friendly defeats to Brazil 6-0 and Australia 4-1 emphasize that Down Under won’t run smoothly, but that probably won’t stop them from trying to cause a stir.
South Africa, an increasingly dominant force on their continent, has a largely youthful squad with the majority plying their trade in their home country. Very few of their squad are 30 or older, highlighting manager Ellis’ choice for players in their prime or with a certain youthful exuberance.
South Africa’s first World Cup match is against Sweden on July 23 and below is their provisional World Cup squad of 36 players, announced in early June.
2023 South Africa Women’s World Cup Squad
South Africa 2023 World Cup Women’s squad: provisional squad with 36 players
- GK: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- GK: Kaylin Swart (JVW)
- GK: Regirl Ngobeni (UWC)
- GK: Kebotseng Moletsane (Royal AM)
- GK: Asa Rabalao (University of Pretoria)
- DF: Asande Hadebe (Sunflower)
- DF: Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sunsets)
- DF: Fikile Magama (UWC)
- DF: Cimone Sauls (JVW)
- DF: Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sunsets)
- DF: Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sunset)
- DF: Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC)
- DF: Noko Matlou (Eibar)
- DF: Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sunsets)
- DF: Bongeka Gamede (UWC)
- MF: Thubelihle Shamase (UJ FC)
- MF: Thalea Smidt (University of Pretoria)
- MF: Refiloe Jane (Sassuolo)
- MF: Sibulele Holweni (UWC)
- MF: Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City)
- MF: Kholosa Biyana (UWC)
- MF: Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy)
- MF: Robyn Moodaly (JVW)
- MF: Amogelang Motau (UWC)
- FW: Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy)
- FW: Noxolo Cesane (UANL)
- FW: Gabriela Salgado (JVW)
- FW: S’phumelele Shamase (UJ)
- FW: Jermaine Seoposenwe (Juarez)
- FW: Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- FW: Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies)
- FW: Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto)
- FW: Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sunsets)
- FW: Wendy Shongwe (University of Pretoria)
- FW: Thembi Kgatlana (Racing Louisville)
- FW: Ntombifikile Ndlovu (UWC)
Director South Africa
Who is the manager of South Africa?
Desiree Ellis became head coach of South Africa in 2018, after serving as the team’s interim manager for 18 months. A former player, Ellis notably played for Spurs Ladies from Cape Town, scoring 231 goals in 330 appearances. After retiring in 2002, Ellis became the manager of the club in 2006, where she spent ten years until she was appointed manager of the South African women.
Since taking over as manager of her country, Ellis guided South Africa to the final of the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she lost to 11-time champions Nigeria on penalties. However, despite the loss, South Africa still qualified for their first Women’s World Cup in 2019. Ellis avenged that defeat last year by coaching Banyana Banyana to their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in Morocco.
When will the South Africa squad be announced?
South Africa have not announced when their final squad will be announced, although FIFA rules require each country to submit their final roster by July 9. A provisional squad is likely to be announced sooner, although South Africa will face Costa Rica in a friendly on July 15.
Their 2023 World Cup campaign kicks off July 23 in Wellington, New Zealand against Sweden.
South Africa Women’s World Cup 2023 squad: How many players can South Africa bring to the 2023 World Cup?
Desiree Ellis is one of the few managers to have a handle on her squad, having selected just 23 players for her most recent squad – the exact number allowed in the World Cup. Some countries have asked for bigger teams, but FIFA has insisted that only 23 players be allowed.
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