Mkhonza names Banyana squad

The tournament kicks off on October 28 with the title decider scheduled for November 11.

Banyana have been drawn in Group A and will face hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo on October 28, Senegal also in Malabo on October 31, and will travel to the island city of Bata for their encounter with DR Congo on November 3.

A good run of form will see the South Africans play in the semi-finals in either Malabo or Bata on November 7, with the 3 rd/4 th place playoff and the title decider both scheduled for Malabo on November 11.

By November 11, Banyana could well have two new centurions in their midst, with inspirational midfielder Nompumelelo Nyandeni going to Equatorial Guinea on 96 caps and striker Portia Modise on 95 caps (having scored 72 goals for her country).

Experienced University of Johannesburg Ladies (Sasol League Gauteng) midfielder Yola Jafta returns to the Banyana Banyana team after missing the London Olympics due to injury.

Banyana finished third at the CAF African Women Championship held in Ekurhuleni, near Johannesburg two years ago and now they are looking to go one better.

Banyana Banyana squad:

Goalkeepers: Thokozile Mndaweni, Andile Dlamini, Katlego Moletsane.

Defenders: Nothando Vilakazi, Amanda Sister, Janine van Wyk, Zamandosi Cele, Refiloe Jane, Lebogang Mabatle.

Midfielders: Leandra Smeda, Nocawe Skiti, Amanda Dlamini (captain), Gabisile Hlumbane, Yola Jafta, Nompumelelo Nyandeni.

Strikers: Noko Matlou, Portia Modise, Andiswe Mgcoyi, Silindile Ngubane, Sanah Mollo, Jermaine Seoposenwe.