Banyana Banyana have announced their starting XI for the historic Round of 16 clash against Netherlands at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Desiree Ellis team have already written their names in South African football history books after becoming the first national team – men or women – to qualify for the knockout stages of a World Cup.
Banyana beat Italy 3-2 to progress to the last 16, with Thembi Kgatlana scoring the all-important winner in the 92nd minute.
It secured them second place in Group G after collecting four points following a 2-1 defeat to world number three Sweden, a 2-2 draw with Argentina and the 3-2 over Italy.
Netherlands, meanwhile, finished at the top of Group E ahead world champions USA after beating Portugal 1-0, drawing 1-1 with the US and thrashing Vietnam 7-0.
Both teams met in a friendly match in April last year when the Netherlands beat Banyana 5-0. Overall, they have won all three clashes against South Africa:
Here is how they line up:
South Africa XI: Swart, Ramalepe, Mbane, Matlou, Dhlamini, Gamede, Biyana, Motlhalo, Seoposenwe, Magaia, Kgatlana
Subs: Dlamini, Moletsane, Magama, Makhubela, Shongwe, Kgoale, Salgado, Cesane, Holweni, Kgadiete
Netherlands XI: tbc.
Subs:
