Pauw excited about Cyprus Cup

Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw said the Cyprus Women’s Cup will give her charges an ideal workout ahead of the busy year for the senior national women’s team.

Banyana Banyana are preparing for qualifying matches in both the All Africa Games and the Olympics and the Dutch-born mentor says the trip to Europe could not have come at a better time.

Pauw said results are not what matters in such events but that the team will give a good account during the tournament.

“The experience we are going to get there is just priceless. This is the type of opposition we missed ahead of the Caf African Women tournament that took place in Namibia late last year.

“While the girls are not as match fit as I would have liked, the Cyprus Cup should slowly put them in the right frame,” said Pauw.

The annual 12-nation Cyprus Women’s Cup runs from 2-12 March 2015 and Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group C together with Belgium, Czech Republic and Mexico. The Group will be based in Ayia Napa.

Group A is made up of Canada, Italy, Korea Republic and Scotland while Group B comprises Australia, England, Finland and Netherlands. The two groups will be based in Larnaca.

Banyana Banyana leave for Cyprus on Wednesday, 25 February and return home on Friday, 13 March.

CYPRUS WOMEN’S CUP
2 – 12 March 2015

Tournament schedule
Group A – Larnaca
Canada
Italy
Republic of Korea
Scotland

Group B – Larnaca
Australia
England
Finland
Netherlands

Group C – Ayia Napa
Belgium
Czech Republic
Mexico
South Africa

Wednesday 4 March
14.30 Republic of Korea - Italy GSP Nicosia
17.30 Scotland – Canada GSP Nicosia
14.30 Finland – England GSZ Larnaca
17.30 Netherlands - Australia GSZ Larnaca
14.30 Mexico – South Africa Tasos Marko Paralimni
17.30 Czech Republic – Belgium Tasos Marko Paralimni

Friday 6 March
14.30 Canada – Republic of Korea GSZ, Larnaca
17.30 Italy – Scotland GSZ, Larnaca
14.30 Finland – Netherlands GSP Nicosia,
17.30 Australia - England GSP Nicosia
14.30 Belgium – South Africa Tasos Marko, Paralimni
17.30 Czech Republic – Mexico Tasos Marko, Paralimni

Monday 9 March
14.30 Italy – Canada GSP Nicosia
14.30 Scotland – Republic of Korea GSZ, Larnaca
17.30 Netherlands – England GSP Nicosia
17.30 Australia – Finland GSZ, Larnaca
14.30 South Africa – Czech Republic Tasos Marko, Paralimni
17.30 Mexico – Belgium Tasos Marko, Paralimni

Banyana Banyana Squad

Goalkeepers:
1. Roxanne Barker (1991) Thor/K.A. Iceland
2. Andile Dlamini (1992) Mamelodi Sundowns FC Pretoria
3. Mputle Ntshetsana (1990) Titans Ladies FC North West

Defenders:
1. Nothando Vilakazi (1988) Palace Super Falcons FC Johannesburg
2. Janine Van Wyk (1987) JVW FC Johannesburg
3. Noko Matlou (1985) Maindis FC Polokwane
4. Lebogang Ramalepe (1991) Maindis FC Polokwane
5. Tshepiso Olga Mokabane (1989) FC Union Nove Zamky Slovakia
6. Lerato Kgasago (1991) Mamelodi Sundowns FC Pretoria

Midfielders:
1. Amanda Dlamini (1988) University of Johannesburg Johannesburg
2. Alochia Thobokela (1989) Mamelodi Sundowns Pretoria
3. Leandra Smeda (1989) UWC Ladies Cape Town
4. Refiloe Jane (1992) VUT Ladies Johannesburg
5. Mamello Makhabane (1988) Palace Super Falcons Johannesburg
6. Nompumelelo Nyandeni (1987) JVW FC Johannesburg
7. Silindile Ngubane (1987) Durban Ladies FC Pietermaritzburg
8. Kelso Peskin (1995) Tyler Junior College, Texas USA

Forwards/ Strikers:
1. Jermaine Seoposenwe (1993) Samford University USA
2. Portia Modise (1983) Croesus FC Johannesburg
3. Sanah Mollo (1987) Mamelodi Sundowns FC Pretoria
4. Shiwe Nogwanya (1994) Bloemfontein Celtic Bloemfontein
5. Rhoda Mulaudzi (1989) Mamelodi Sundowns FC Pretoria
6. Disebo Mametja (1985) University of Johannesburg Johannesburg