Banyana off to Cyprus

Johannesburg - Banyana Banyana will compete in the 12-nation Cyprus Women's Cup which runs from 4-11 March 2015, the SA Football Association said on Thursday.

The Vera Pauw-coached side was drawn in Group C together with Belgium, Czech Republic and Mexico.

Group A is made up of Canada, Italy, Korea Republic and Scotland while Group B comprises Australia, England, Finland and Netherlands.

"This is an exciting tournament and gives us good preparations ahead of the All-Africa Games and Olympic qualifiers," Pauw said in a statement.

"These are the type of opponents we should have played ahead of the African Women championships which took place in Namibia last year where Banyana Banyana missed the World Cup spot by a whisker."

A group of 30 Banyana players will assemble for camp on Sunday.

The final group of 23 would be named at SAFA House on February 24.