The squad has been training at the North West University, High Performance Centre in Potchefstroom since Monday.
The five new players to make it onto the squad are goalkeepers Kaylin Swart, who plays her club football for University of the Western Cape Ladies club, Mahlatsi Mogola of the Tshwane University of Technology Ladies football club, TUT Ladies FC central midfielder Zanele Chiya and Vuyo Mkhabela of the UWC Ladies FC.
Shiwe Nongwanya of Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies completes the contingent of the new caps to the Banyana squad that will travel to Cyprus.
Swart, Mkhabela and Nongwanya are graduates of the SA Under-20 Women’s National team.
The squad sees the return of two key players, Nomathemba Ntsibande and Gloria Thato, who were not part of the squad for the London Olympics and the African Women’s Championship in Equatorial Guinea last year.
Banyana will be without the services of three overseas-based players – Russia-based Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who has to honour club commitments, and Kylie-Ann Louw and Roxanne Barker who have both been held back due to study commitments at their respective universities in the United States.
Mkhonza says he is confident the squad selected has what it takes to conquer the world and will try some new combinations before Monday’s departure.
“The players worked very hard during the training camp and they all showed a lot of potential which made selection all tougher for me and the technical team. We have included new young players coming from the Basetsana squad and I am looking forward to seeing them perform to the best of their ability in the Banyana squad.”
Banyana squad: Andile Dlamini, Lebogang Mabatle, Nothando Vilakazi, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Janine van Wyk, Zamandosi Cele, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Silindile Ngubane, Amanda Dlamini, Mary Ntsweng, Noko Matlou, Robyn Moodaly, Gabisile Hlumbane, Refiloe Jane, Kaylin Swart, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Nocawe Skiti, Zanele Chiya, Mahlatsi Mogola, Vuyo Mkhabela, Gloria Thato, Shiwe Nongwanya