Competion for places in the squad ahead of a 12-nation women's tournament in Cyprus and, ultimately, the London Olympic Games will be a top priority for Banyana Banyana during their training camp in Brazil.
The 21-member SA women's squad departed on Friday for Rio de Janeiro where they were set to play four Brazilian clubs and possibly an international women's side during their two-week camp.
United States-based goalkeeper Roxanne Barker was expected to round out the 22-player squad when she linked up with Banyana in the South American country.
“The standard by the girls in this team is improving,” coach Joseph Mkhonza said before the squad departed.
“Everyone is fighting and wants to be part of the Olympics.
“We are going to Brazil because we want the girls to acclimatise to different weather, and different opposition, knowing the South American and European teams we will play against.”
Banyana captain and striking kingpin Amanda Dlamini praised the contribution made by the SA Football Association (Safa) in organising supporting staff, including SA men's Under-23 coach Shakes Mashaba.
Resources were previously limited for Banyana, but Safa has assured the team of full support ahead of their Olympic debut in London in July.
In Rio, the side will also get to work with Bafana Bafana's Brazilian fitness coach, Chicco Gonzales Ä the man responsible for the fitness of the men's side at the 2010 World Cup.
Dlamini said the experience provided by Mashaba, in a technical advisor's role, would be crucial to their planning.
“It's great to have a father figure like Mashaba working with us,” she said.
“Having been to the Olympics (with Baby Bafana in 2000), he has the experience that will help us in our preparation.”
Of the 22 players in the Banyana travelling party, two were set to miss out on the Cyprus tournament, with their places expected to be taken by stalwart striker Mpumi Nyandeni and midfielder Kylie Ann Louw, who play in Russia and the United States respectively.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Thoko Mndaweni, Roxanne Barker, Mputle Ntshatsana
Defenders: Gabisile Hlumbane, Janine van Wyk, Refiloe Jane, Amanda Sister, Zamandosi Cele, Simphiwe Masina, Nothando Vilakazi
Midfielders: Mary Ntsweng, Memory Makhanya, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Morifi Chuene, Nondyebo Mgudu, Nocawe Skiti
Strikers: Sanah Mollo, Noko Matlou, Leandra Smeda, Zanele Sukazi, Amanda Dlamini, Andiswe Mgcoyi – Sapa