Banyana Banyana's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup squad confirmed

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and her technical team have been hard at work over the past 10 days with a 36-player preliminary squad and has now whittled it down to the final 23 players headed Down Under.

The announcement was made by Ellis at a send-off gala dinner hosted by Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Friday evening.

Five new faces in the squad that led the nation to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco last year include goalkeeper Kebotseng Moletsane, defenders Fikile Magama and Tiisetso Makhubela, as well as forwards Gabriela Salgado and Wendy Shongwe.

Moletsane, who plies her trade for University of Pretoria, replaces long-standing third-choice Regirl Ngobeni, who has been named among the three stand-by players.

University of Western Cape's Magama steps in for former skipper Janine van Wyk, while Makhubela is no stranger to the setup – having been a stand-by player at last year's WAFCON but also part of the final World Cup squad for France 2019.

Similarly, Salgado unfortunately missed out on the continental showpiece due to an injury suffered while turning out for her club side JVW FC prior to the tournament, while 20-year-old Shongwe continues her rise and is now in line to make her major tournament debut.

Several high-profile players have also not made the cut, including Tuks midfielder Thalea Smidt, who contributed to the team's success in Morocco, UWC midfielder Amogelang Motau, as well as Richmond Ladies striker Nthabiseng Majiya – both named on the stand-by list.

The full Banyana Banyana squad:

GOALKEEPERS: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Kebotseng Moletsane (Royal AM)

DEFENDERS: Karabo Dhlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane (all Sundowns), Fikile Magama, Bongeka Gamede (both UWC), Noko Matlou (SD Eibar, Spain)

MIDFIELDERS: Refiloe Jane (Sassoulo FC, Italy), Kholosa Biyana, Sibulele Holweni (both UWC), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland), Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy), Robyn Moodaly (JVW)

FORWARDS: Gabriela Salgado (JVW), Jermaine Seoposenwe (C.F. Monterrey, Mexico), Noxolo Cesane (Unattached), Melinda Kgadiete (Sundowns), Wendy Shongwe (Tuks), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportsoso, South Korea), Thembi Kgatlana (Racing Louisville, USA)

STAND-BY: Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond), Amogelang Motau, Regirl Ngobeni (both UWC)