SIMPHIWE Dludlu has been appointed Banyana Banyana captain for the May 15 international friendly against Namibia at Katlehong Stadium.

SIMPHIWE Dludlu has been appointed Banyana Banyana captain for the May 15 international friendly against Namibia at Katlehong Stadium.

"Simphiwe will be our captain in the absence of Kyle-Ann Louw," said Banyana coach August Makalakalane when announcing the 20-member squad yesterday.

Louw is studying in the US.

Banyana are using the match as part of their preparations for the 2010 African Women's Championships in South Africa in October.

"Our plan was to play against stronger opposition but Sasol, the sponsors, pleaded with us to play at home first to market the team," Makalakalane said.

"We won't have any of the overseas-based players for the game against Namibia, our aim is to assemble a strong team for the tournament in October.

"I'm happy our Under-17 and Under-20 women's national teams are doing well."

The team to play Namibia is:

Goalkeepers - Astrid van Westeren (Cape Town Spurs, Western Cape), Simphiwe Mnguni (Local United, KwaZulu-Natal), Thoko Mndaweni (Croesus, Gauteng);

Defenders - Dludlu (Tuks Sport, Gauteng), Janine van Wyk (Luso FC, Gauteng), Emily Mokgotlhe (University of Johannesburg, Gauteng), Gloria Thato (Bophelong Ladies, Gauteng), Sibongiseni Khamlana (Cape Town Roses, Western Cape);

Midfielders - Nthabeleng Modiko (University of Johannesburg), Hlengiwe Ngwane (Super Falcons, Gauteng), Sana Mollo (Bloemfontein Celtic, Free State), Marry Ntsweng (Mphahlele Ladies, Limpopo), Chantelle Easu, Sesebo Mokhola (both Luso FC), Mpumi Nyandeni (Detroit, Mpumalanga);

Strikers - Mamphasha Popela (Flamingo, Mpumalanga), Andisiwe Mgcoyi (Cape Town Roses), Valencia Moeng (Crusaders, Northern Cape), Noko Matlou (Brazilian Ladies, Limpopo) and Leandra Smeda (Ambassadors, Western Cape).