Banyana are preparing for qualifying matches in both the All Africa Games and Olympics, and the Dutch-born coach says the trip to Europe could not have come at a better time.
“The experience we are going to get there is just priceless,” she says. “This is the type of opposition we missed ahead of the CAF African Women tournament that took place in Namibia late last year.
“While the girls are not as match fit as I would have liked, the Cyprus Cup should slowly put them in the right frame.”
The annual 12-nation Cyprus Women’s Cup runs from 2-12 March and Banyana have been drawn in Group C together with Belgium, Czech Republic and Mexico. The Group will be based in Ayia Napa.
Group A is made up of Canada, Italy, Korea Republic and Scotland, while Group B comprises Australia, England, Finland and Netherlands.
Goalkeepers: Roxanne Barker (Thor, Iceland), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mputle Ntshetsana (Titans Ladies FC)
Defenders: Nothando Vilakazi (Palace Super Falcons), Janine van Wyk (JVW FC), Noko Matlou (Maindis FC), Lebogang Ramalepe (Maindis FC), Tshepiso Olga Mokabane (FC Union Nove Zamky, Slovakia), Lerato Kgasago (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders: Amanda Dlamini (University of Johannesburg), Alochia Thobokela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Leandra Smeda (UWC Ladies), Refiloe Jane (VUT Ladies), Mamello Makhabane (Palace Super Falcons), Nompumelelo Nyandeni (JVW FC), Silindile Ngubane (Durban Ladies), Kelso Peskin (Tyler Junior College, Texas, USA)
Forwards: Jermaine Seoposenwe (Samford University, USA), Portia Modise (Croesus FC), Sanah Mollo (Mamelodi Sundowns), Shiwe Nogwanya (Bloemfontein Celtic), Rhoda Mulaudzi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Disebo Mametja (University of Johannesburg)