The five had to return home as they lacked the necessary documentation, leaving 17 players at the disposal of interim coach Simphiwe Dludlu.
Of the 17 only three have international experience. They are captain Kaylyn Jordaan – U-17 (2) and U-20 (2); Karabo Dlamini – U-17 (2) and U-20 (5) and Sibulele Holweni – U-17 (2) and U-20 (2).
“It has been a dramatic period but it is all behind us now. I would have loved to bring all the players here but due to matters beyond our control we had to leave them behind. The five players are safely back in South Africa and with the squad that is here we have a job to do,” said Dludlu.
“After this episode I was worried about how the players would respond at training, but I was happy to see their focus is on the game and I am positive that we will return home victorious. For most of them this will be their first ever international match, I just hope when kick-off comes they are ready. But they have showed how strong they are mentally and that was impressive.”
South Africa got a bye in the preliminary round.
Botswana advanced by beating Zambia 6-5 on aggregate. Zambia won 5-2 at home but Botswana managed a 4-0 victory in the return leg.
“That result alone shows they are a very formidable side at home so we have to be at our best to ensure we win the match. We are ready for them and I am almost certain we will return home victorious,” added Dludlu.
Bantwana travel back to South Africa on Saturday, with the second leg scheduled for December 16 at Dobsonville Stadium (15h00).