The Banyana Banyana squad has been handed even more motivation in the form of 9.2 million rands should they return home the with 2022 Awcon trophy.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan told media on Tuesday that the federation intends to cough up close to R10 million if the Banyana Banyana squad returns home with the African Women's Cup of Nations (Awcon) trophy.
A first-place finish is expected to earn each player R400 00, while third place will see them get R55 000. Third place will pay out R30 000 and fourth-place finish will see each player walk away with R30 000.
Scroll through the gallery to see South Africa's all-time leading goalscorers in AFCON qualifying
Banyana were finalists at the 2018 Awcon held in Ghana and will be confident of their chances going into their first encounter with defending champions Nigeria on 4 July. South Africa has been drawn into Group C of the competition alongside Burundi, Botswana and Nigeria.
Banyana need to at least reach the semi-finals of the tournament to qualify for the 2023 Women's World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand – a goal head coach Desiree Ellis has already highlighted as first priority.
The squad has been in training in Johannesburg since 10 June and yesterday, Head coach Desiree Ellis announced her final 23-member squad that will travel to Morocco. On Tuesday the team had their final training session and brief send-off conference before their departure.
Full Banyana Banyana squad:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Regirl Ngobeni
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamni, Lebohang Ramalepe, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gumede, Noko Matlou
Midfielders: Refiloe Jane, Nomvula Kgoale, Linda Mothlalo, Thaela Smit, Khoilosa Biyana, Amogelang Motau, Robyn Moodaly, Sibulele Holweni
Forwards: Jermaine Seoposenwe, Melinda Kgadeiete, Noxolo Cesane, Nthabiseng Majila, Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia
Standby: Kebotseng Moletsane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Thubelihle Shamase