South Africa Senior Women’s national team is set to be without their first-choice goalkeeper Andile Dlamini when they meet the Super Falcons of Nigeria next week Friday and possibly the return leg in Pretoria on the 9th of April in the crucial final leg of the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifier
The goalkeeper has withdrawn from the squad to face Nigeria in the Olympic Qualifiers due to medical reasons.
The head coach of the team Desire Ellis confirmed the withdrawal of the goalkeeper while speaking with journalists on Thursday and says she’s comforted by the fact that they have players like Refiloe Jane and Bambanani Mbane back after their long-term injuries.
”We have lost players at the last minute minus Andile, she withdrew because of medical reasons. But I’m happy that I have Bambani, Sibulele and Refiloe back, that really warms my heart because these are experienced players and we will need their experience to get over this hurdle,” said Ellis.
Though unfortunate, Ellis says Dlamini’s absence allows another goalkeeper to step in as they will be bringing in another shot stopper to join them on camp.
”It doesn’t affect it much because you know we have a group of players – if somebody steps out we have another player stepping in. It gives an opportunity for someone else to raise their hand,” added Ellis.
Discussion about this post