Banyana stars off to China

FORMER African Women's Footballer of the Year Noko "Beep Beep" Matlou is one of four Banyana Banyana stars who have been called up to represent the South African national student soccer team.

The team, which is coached by Sello Mokoena and Monde Hlatshwayo, will participate in the World University Games in China from August 12 to 23.

Besides Matlou, the other three Banyana players in the team are captain Amanda Dlamini, Zanele Sukazi and Mary Itsweng.

Matlou, Dlamini and Sukazi are the chief Banyana strikers. Coach Joseph Mkhonza reckons they will benefit from the Games as they will stay in great shape for their last London Olympics qualifier.

South Africa take on Ethiopia in home and away matches, witch the overall winner qualifying for the finals in London next year.

"I would have loved to have more players from Banyana Banyana going to China, we will now have to organise training camps for the rest of the team," said Mkhonza.

The team is:

Goalkeepers - Lerato Rampedi (University of Venda), Ntombifuthi Mncwango (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University);

Defenders - Simphiwe Dludlu (University of Pretoria Sport), Cindy-Leigh Meyer (University of Pretoria), Siduduze Mthethwa (University of Johannesburg), Gloria Thato (University of Pretoria), Shadi Matenche (University of Johannesburg);

Midfielders - Keneilwe Mathibela (University of Pretoria), Lindiwe Makhanya (Vaal University of Technology), Tamara Dlayedwa (Cape Peninsula University of Technology), Nondyebo Mgudu (UKZN), Mapotlakele Maserumule (University of Pretoria), Marry Ntsweng (Tshwane University of Technology), Abongile Mbawu ( Walter Sisulu University Business), Rhoda Mulaudzi Striker Vaal University of Technology);

Strikers - Zanele Sukazi (University of Johannesburg), Noko Matlou Striker (University of Johannesburg) and Amanda Damini (University of Johannesburg).