A women's football tournament in Cyprus next month will form a key part of Banyana Banyana's build-up to the Olympic Games, coach Joseph Mkhonza said on Sunday.
A 26-member squad had been in camp since Monday, according to the SA Football Association, though three overseas-based players – Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Roxanne Barker and Kylie-Anne Louw – had been released to their clubs after undergoing tests in Stellenbosch.
“The players are working hard and fortunately we have not incurred any injuries up to this point,” Mkhonza said.
“I am hopeful that with this camp we will be able to build momentum leading to the Cyprus Cup tournament and all the way to the Olympics.
“A lot of the teams that have been invited to the Cyprus Cup have qualified for the Olympics, so this will be a good test for us as we will gauge ourselves against the top nations in women's football.”
South Africa have been drawn in Group C along with South Korea, New Zealand and Northern Ireland at the Cyprus Cup.
Group A consists of England, Finland, France and Switzerland, while Canada, Holland, Italy and Scotland make up Group B.
TRAINING SQUAD
Thokozile Mndaweni, Roxanne Barker, Amanda Sister, Nothando Vilakazi, Simphiwe Masina, Mary Ntsweng, Gabisile Hlumbane, Cindy Leigh Meyer, Zamandosi Cele, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Memory Makhanya, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Noko Matlou, Amanda Dlamini (captain), Sanah Mollo, Leandra Smeda, Kylie Ann Louw, Nocawe Skiti, Mamello Makhabane, Yola Jafta, Nondyebo Mgudu, Tshoene Morifi, Mputle Ntsetsana, Zanele Sukazi, Refiloe Jane. – Sapa