Banyana Banyana interim coach Desiree Ellis has announced a squad of 25 players to play in the 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament that will be held in Cameroon from 19 November to 3 December.

Ellis, who took over from former head coach Vera Pauw, has kept the bulk of the squad that did duty at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in August.

Defender Astria Boks from Santos FC of Cape Town is the only newcomer in the team while the likes of U-20 captain Amogelang Motau, Yolula Tsawe, Lebogang Mabatle, Silindile Ngubane and Andisiwe Mgcoyi have been recalled. All six missed the Olympics.

Dutch-based Roxanne Barker and Jermaine Seoposenwe who plies her trade in the USA, are only expected to join the squad in Cameroon on the 18th due to club commitments.

Ellis says it was important to keep the experience in the team for this big tournament.

“We have come very close in this tournament and we believe we stand a good chance of doing even better. I have kept the bulk of the squad mainly for the experience gathered over the years and at the Olympic Games. I am more confident than ever that we will do well this time around, and I don’t mean it will be an easy task. But in terms of the selection, if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it, and what we can assure all South Africans is that we will do the best we can to emerge victorious.

“Personally, it is a big task placed in front of me having been with the team for so long – from player, to assistant coach and now interim head coach – but a job I will do to the best of my abilities. Once again I would like to thank the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the trust and confidence they have in me, and the entire technical team, leading this group. A big thanks also to Sasol who have been behind all the way and we would not have achieved some things without their unwavering support."

The former Banyana Banyana captain had her first taste of being in charge when she led the squad against Egypt earlier last month (Saturday, 22 October) and won the international friendly match 3-1 at the Dobsonville Stadium.

“I think that match was what we needed as a group – since Banyana Banyana last played in August – so we can assess how far in terms of fitness as a team. It helped a great deal as I was also able to see if the players still had the hunger they possessed before the Olympics, hence I am confident we will perform well in Cameroon. I am very happy with the way they responded to new methods," added Ellis.

Maud Khumalo will assist her and Amajimbos head coach Molefi Ntseki, as Cheryl Botes is not available.

Banyana Banyana will warm up for the Cameroon tournament with an international friendly match against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday, 10 November 2016.

The South Africans return to the country on Friday, 11 November and are expected to depart for Cameroon on Monday, 14 November.

Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group A with hosts Cameroon, Egypt and Zimbabwe whilst holders Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Mali make up Group B.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Yolula Tsawe (JVW FC), Roxanne Barker (SC Heerenveen, Netherlands)

Defenders: Leandra Smeda (UWC Ladies), Nothando Vilakazi (Palace Super Falcons), Janine van Wyk (JVW FC), Noko Matlou (MaIndis), Astria Boks (Santos), Bambanani Mbane (Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies), Lebogang Mabatle (TUKS), Nomathemba Ntsibande (Springs Home Sweepers)

Midfielders: Mamello Makhabane (JVW FC), Amogelang Motau (UWC Ladies), Refiloe Jane (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Nompumelelo Nyandeni (JVW FC), Silindile Ngubane (Durban Ladies), Linda Motlhalo (JVW FC)

Forwards: Shiwe Nogwanya (Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies), Andisiwe Mgcoyi (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Jermaine Seoposenwe      (Samford University, USA), Thembi Kgatlana (UWC Ladies) - SAFA