Confirmed Banyana Banyana team news: Mexican-based midfielder available for selection after missing first leg 

South Africa's Banyana Banyana have been boosted by the arrival of Mexican-based player Sinoxolo Cesane ahead of their winner-takes-all clash with nine-time African champions Nigeria in a 2024 Olympic Games qualifier on Tuesday evening. 

A midfielder by trade, Cesane was unavailable for selection for the first leg tie in Abuja on April 5 ago due to visa issues. 

South Africa manager Desiree Ellis set up her team in what looked like a 4-4-2 formation in the first leg at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with Refiloe Jane and Linda Motlhalo starting in central midfield. 

Ellis observed Cesane at close quarters in Banyana Banyana's final training session on Monday with a view to her possible inclusion in the gameday squad to face Nigeria.

Speaking to reporters in a media briefing on Monday, Ellis said: "It's unfortunate that she had a visa problem having to travel outside of Mexico to Nigeria and that was out of our hands but she has joined the team.

"Obviously look at training and see how she can add to the team. She's got a lot of qualities, we've also seen her score some really good goals out in Mexico, scored as well having returned from injury

"Goals is what we need, we'll have a look at the training and then come up with the final lineup for this big match."

Cesane's twin sister Noxolo Cesane was given playing time in the first leg, coming off the bench to replace Hildah Magaia with around twenty minutes of normal time left.

The winner of the South Africa versus Nigeria contest has been placed in Group C for the 2024 Olympic Games, where they will compete against Spain, Japan, and Brazil.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: safa.net

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