South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has unveiled her starting eleven for tonight’s international friendly against Norway, a match scheduled to take place at the Stade Moulonguet in Amiens, France. This encounter represents the final test for Banyana Banyana before they begin their campaign at the Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted in France. With the tournament fast approaching, Ellis has chosen to rotate her squad, offering opportunities to players who did not feature in the previous friendly against the United States on May 12 in Santa Clara, California.
The South African coach’s decision reflects a desire to assess the depth of her squad and evaluate different combinations ahead of the World Cup. While some regular starters have been rested, others have been recalled to provide balance and fresh energy. Andile Dlamini keeps her place in goal, continuing as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and a key figure at the back. In central defense, Bambanani Mbane steps in for captain Janine van Wyk and will partner Noko Matlou, forming a new pairing designed to test defensive options against strong European opposition.
On the flanks, Lebohang Ramalepe and Nothando Vilakazi have been selected as full-backs, tasked with both defensive responsibilities and supporting attacks down the wings. Their inclusion underlines Ellis’s intention to examine how her side can cope with pace and width, elements Norway are expected to exploit. In midfield, Kholosa Biyana lines up alongside today’s captain, Refiloe Jane, providing a blend of work rate, leadership, and technical ability in the center of the park. Amanda Mthandi retains her place, offering continuity and stability as South Africa looks to control possession and tempo.
Further forward, Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana return to the starting lineup after missing last month’s match due to club commitments. Their presence adds creativity, speed, and attacking threat, qualities that are vital as Banyana Banyana fine-tune their offensive play before the World Cup. They will operate alongside Ode Fulutudilu, who completes the attacking unit and will be keen to impress in what could be her final audition before the tournament.
Several players who featured against the United States will begin this match on the bench, including Sibulele Holweni, Rhoda Mulaudzi, and Jermaine Seoposenwe. Their omission from the starting lineup is part of Ellis’s rotation strategy rather than a reflection of form, as she seeks to give minutes to as many squad members as possible. Meanwhile, six players have not been selected for the match. Captain Janine van Wyk, Mamello Makhabane, Leandra Smeda, and goalkeeper Kaylin Swart are sidelined due to serious injuries, while Nompumelelo Nyandeni and Ongeziwe Ndlangisa have been named as standby players.
Nyandeni and Ndlangisa are expected to return home on Monday, June 3, where they will be joined by goalkeeper Jessica Williams, who is currently on the bench. These movements underline the final adjustments being made to the squad as Ellis sharpens her group ahead of the global showpiece.
The South African starting eleven for the friendly against Norway is: Andile Dlamini; Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Bambanani Mbane, Noko Matlou; Amanda Mthandi, Kholosa Biyana, Refiloe Jane (captain); Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, Ode Fulutudilu. This lineup offers a glimpse into Ellis’s tactical thinking as Banyana Banyana prepare to step onto the world stage.
