Africa's national women's team, Banyana Banyana, has called up 38 players for a camp, aiming to work on fitness and general training techniques as part of the side's preparations for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Since the formation of Banyana Banyana in 1993, it is the first time that they have qualified for the Olympics.
Mkhonza says that early preparations augur well for international competition.
Fitness
"Since this will be the first time Banyana Banyana participates in the Olympic Games, I want to ensure that the team's fitness levels are up to where they should be when we get to London because it will be a competitive tournament for the girls next year," he said.
"I want to ensure that we play to our best potential in London without worrying about the players' fitness levels.
"I have seen some of the nations that have been taking part in international competitions, the first thing you notice is that they are extremely fit, and we need to work towards that."
Most of the players called up for the camp took part in the final Olympic qualifiers, while some were in the squad that claimed bronze at the All Africa Games in August. Mkhonza has also called up players who have never been given an opportunity to participate in National team activity after identifying them during the Sasol National Championships.
London Games qualifiers
While South Africa has qualified for the London Games after a 4-1 aggregate defeat of Ethiopia, one other place remains open for an African side. Nigeria and Cameroon meet in a second leg clash on 22 October to decide that place, with the Nigerians leading 2-1 after the first leg.
Only 12 teams will contest the Olympics, with no more than two teams from each confederation. Great Britain has qualified as the host of the Games.
Japan and North Korea will represent the Asian Football Confederation. Brazil and Ecuador have secured the Conmebol places from the South American qualifiers, while Sweden and France will fly the flag for Europe (Uefa).
Two North American qualifiers (Concacaf) are yet to be decided, as well as an Oceania Football Confederation qualifier.
BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD
Thokozile Mndaweni (Crousers FC), Andile Dlamini ( Sundowns Ladies FC), Andisiwe Mgcoyi ( Sundowns), Lebohang Mabatle (Zebra Force), Nondyebo Mgudu (Durban Ladies), Sizakele Thwala (Newcastle Ladies), Cindy Meyer (Tuks), Nothando Vilakazi (Palace Super Falcons), Simphiwe Masina (Detroit Ladies), Nomthandazo Kubheka (Richards Bay Vultures), Nomathemba Ntsibande (Springs Homesweepers), Yola Jafta (UJ), Sanah Mollo (Celtics FC), Tina Selepe (Palace Super Falcons), Amanda Sister ( Liverpool Ladies), Mamello Makhabane (Palace Super Falcons), Zama Cele (Durban Ladies), Gabisile Hlumbane (Kovsies), Nkosingiphile Zungu (Barcelonia Ladies), Memory Makhanya (Durban Ladies), Nocawe Skiti (Cape Town Roses), Noko Matlou (UJ), Amanda Dlamini (UJ), Mary Ntsweng (TUT), Zanele Sukazi (UJ), Leandra Smeda (Cape Town Roses), Sebata Molatelo (MaIndies), Janine Van Wyk (Palace Super Falcons), Jermaine Seopesenwe (Santos), Lebogang Ramalepe (Brazilians FC), Karabo (Maestro), Janice Jafta (Milano), Ntsetshana Mputle (Royal Queens), Leah Sethunya (Maluti FET), Amanda Tati (UWC), Robin Suskin (Between clubs), Lerato Mokoena (Maluti FET), Tshoene Morifi (Detroit Ladies)
Source : SAinfo reporter (http://www.southafrica.info)
Source http://iol.co.za
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