Places still up for grabs for Banyana
Final places for the Olympic Games are still up for grabs for Banyana Banyana for the London Games, coach Joseph Mkhonza said on Tuesday.
The South African senior women's side last year qualified for their maiden Olympics while their male counterparts have experienced a dour period.
Bafana Bafana failed to make it to the current Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, while the SA Under-23s –Baby Bafana – failed in the last hurdle to make it through to the Olympics.
"The door is still open for players because the squad to compete for London is, by no means, finalised," said Mkhonza.
"We want to take South Africa's best players to the event, and if there are players out there who can add value, we will continue searching until we find them."
Banyana travel to Cyprus later next month for the 12-nation Cyprus Women's Cup – a tournament that is critical in their preparations and planning with the Olympics six months away.
The side, currently in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, are working at making an early impression on their trip.
Banyana's captain and key striker, Amanda Dlamini, felt that they want to approach the Cyprus tournament as the fittest of the squads competing.
They will play South Korea, New Zealand and Northern Ireland in their group.
"For over three weeks, the coaches have been able to work on the endurance and strength levels of the players," Dlamini said.
"I believe Banyana will be one of the physically strongest teams in Cyprus."