Ahead of their MS&AD Cup 2019 match against the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team), scheduled on Sunday 10 November at Kitakyushu Stadium, the South Africa Women’s National Team arrived in Japan on Thursday 7. The players were seen relaxed as the listened to music and cheerfully talked with their peers while heading to their hotel.

The MS&AD Cup 2019 match between the Nadeshiko Japan and the South Africa Women’s National Team will take place on Sunday 10 November at 12:45.

Coach and Player's Comments

Desiree ELLIS, Coach
We are thankful for the warm welcome we received at the airport. This is my first visit to Japan, and I am very happy to be here. We tied 0-0 against Japan at the London Olympics and I remember that they were a very strong team. I saw their recent match against Canada, where they won 4-0. It made us feel that we need to become a top class team like Japan. We share many similarities with Japan, as our team consists with small players with great agility, so we have utilised the Japanese playing style as our textbook to develop our players. Japan has a much more sophisticated football style than us, and we have been studying to find out how we can get closer to their style, so we hope to use this match to showcase what we have been working on.

Refiloe JANE
This is my first trip to Japan, and just by looking out the window from our bus, I can tell that Japan is a very clean country. Although this will be my first time facing the Japan National Team, I already know that they are a wonderful team with great speed and techniques. We will fight with our team unity, so please keep an eye on our teamwork.

Coach

Desiree ELLIS

Squad

GK

16 Andile DLAMINI (Mamelodi Sundowns)
1 Kaylin Christen SWART (Golden Stars)
20 Jessica WILLIAMS (Spurs Ladies)

DF
4 Noko MATLOU (First Touch Academy)
3 Nothando VILAKAZI (Gintra Universitetas/Lithuania)
13 Bambanani MBANE (Bloemfontein Celtic)
2 Lebohang Ester RAMALEPE (Ma-Indies)
14 Tiisetso MAKHUBELA (TUT-PTA)

MF
6 Mamello MAKHABANE (JVW FC)
17 Leandra SMEDA (Vittsjo GIK/Sweden)
21 Busisiwe NDIMENI (TUT-PTA)
15 Refiloe JANE (AC Milan/Italy)
18 Ongeziwe NDLANGISA (Sunflower WFC)
9 Robyn MOODALY (JVW FC)
19 Kholosa BIYANA (UWC Ladies)
10 Linda MOTLHALO (Beijing BG Phoenix/China PR)
5 Noxolo CESANE (UWC Ladies)
7 Nomvula KGOALE (TUT-PTA)

FW
8 Rhoda MULAUDZI (Mamelodi Sundowns)
12 Jermaine SEOPOSENWE (Gintra Universitetas/Lithuania)
11 Chretsinah Thembi KGATLANA (Beijing BG Phoenix/China PR)
22 Lelona DAWETI (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Schedule

MS&AD Cup 2019

Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) vs South Africa Women's National Team
Date: Sun. 10 November 2019 Kick-off at 12:45
Venue: Kitakyushu Stadium, Fukuoka

Tournament Information