Desiree Ellis names young Banyana Banyana squad for training camp

The squad, made up largely of players that finished runners-up in last year's COSAFA Women's Championships, will assemble from 17-26 February as Ellis aims to suss out potential reinforcements ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in July.

Banyana will face Lesotho in two friendies during the 10-day period to assess up and coming stars, while also exposing them to the senior women's national team training and tacticial expectations.

None of the regular senior women's players have been called up, while the overseas-based players have also not been considered for this camp.

Hollywoodbets Super League Young Player of the Season Khwezi Khoza headlines the squad, along with rising youngsters Kesha Hendricks and Isabella Ludwig, who won the Player of the Tournament award at the regional showpiece in Gqeberha.

Meanwhile, Ellis has also invited eight goalkeepers for a specialised camp from 15-17 February, when the list will be trimmed down to four, who will then join the rest of the 22 players for the duration of the training camp.

Recognised former Banyana third-choice goalkeeper Katlego Moletsane, who has parted from Royal AM and joined University of Western Cape ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Also on the list is Hollywoodbets Super League Goalkeeper of the Season Matshidiso Masebe of UJ Ladies, as well as COSAFA Goalkeeper of the Tournament winner Jessica Williams of Badgers FC in the Sasol Women's League.

Full Banyana squad:

Defenders: Ntando Phahla (University of Pretoria), Portia Masilela (University of Johannesburg), Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC), Yomelelo Jacobs (TS Galaxy), Sikelelwa Mhlanga (City Lads FC), Unathi Simayile (University of the Western Cape), Yolanda Nduil (University of Johannesburg)

Midfielders: Okuhle Sithole (Durban Ladies FC), Mmabatho Mogale (Currently not announced), Nondumiso Manengela (University of the Western Cape), Isabella Ludwig (Currently not announced), Katlego Malebana (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sibongile Ntoane (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC), Thato Mofolo, Adrielle MIBE (both University of Johannesburg), Kesha Hndricks (University of Fort Hare)

Forwards: Katlego Mohale, Tanna Hollis (both JVW FC) Kwezi Khoza (Durban Ladies FC), Tshegofatso Motlogelwa (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC) Mavis Maiacane (Super Strikers FC), Nobahle Mdelwa (University of Johannesburg)

Goalkeeper Specialised Camp: Jessica Williams (Badgers FC), Casey Gordon(JVW FC), Asa Rabalao, Mbali Ntimeni (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Matshidiso Masebe (University of Johannesburg), Katlego Moletsane, Siphesihle Dlamini (both University of the Western Cape), Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy)