Desiree Ellis names 23-player Banyana Banyana squad for World Cup preparation

Ellis has cut her squad from 32 members to 23, making a number of changes to the side that went to the Turkish Women's Cup last month.

In the goalkeeping department, fourth option Katlego Moletsane has been left out, along with defenders Asanda Hadebe, Faith Owuso, and Tiisetso Makhubela, while UWC's Lonathemba Mhlongo is roped in.

In midfield, Mamelodi Sundowns enforcer Thalea Smidt and UWC's Amogelang Motau sits out as Nomvula Kgaola returns following her move to TS Galaxy Queens at the start of the 2023 season.

In attack, Sundowns forward Melinda Kgadiete is dropped as UJ's Sphumelele Shamase and AmaTuks' Wendy Shongwe get look ins.

The squad will depart for Serbia on 6 April and then face the Serbians on 10 April.

Full Banyana squad:

GK: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Regirl Ngobeni

DEF: Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Noko Matlou, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede

MID: Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Nomvula Kgaola, Robyn Moodaly

FOR: Noxolo Cesane, Gabriella Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Hildah Magaia, Lelona Daweti, Sphumelele Shamase, Wendy Shongwe