BANYANA Banyana have been drawn in a tough group for the Cyprus Cup in March.
Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza intends using the tournament to prepare for the 2014 African Women's Championship qualifiers.
South Africa, who beat Botswana 3-0 in a friendly on Monday, are in a group with South Korea, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Among the other teams involved are England, France, Japan, Canada, Italy and the Netherlands.
South Africa finished 10th in this year's Cyprus tournament.
"This is a tournament where some of our new recruits are exposed to international soccer," said Mkhonza.
"We want to improve our position with the target a top-five finish," said the coach, who is happy with the progress of the team since the last outing on the Mediterranean island.
He said he was confident of qualifying for the African championship, which will be held in Namibia.
South Africa reached the final of this year's championship.
"The bigger picture is to win the tournament and be among the top three countries that will represent Africa at the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup," said Mkhonza.
South African Football Association national executive committee member Nomsa Mahlangu said they would be planning for the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup early in the new year to ensure Amanda Dlamini and company qualify for the first time.
Banyana in tough group
BANYANA Banyana have been drawn in a tough group for the Cyprus Cup in March.
Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza intends using the tournament to prepare for the 2014 African Women's Championship qualifiers.
South Africa, who beat Botswana 3-0 in a friendly on Monday, are in a group with South Korea, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Among the other teams involved are England, France, Japan, Canada, Italy and the Netherlands.
South Africa finished 10th in this year's Cyprus tournament.
"This is a tournament where some of our new recruits are exposed to international soccer," said Mkhonza.
"We want to improve our position with the target a top-five finish," said the coach, who is happy with the progress of the team since the last outing on the Mediterranean island.
He said he was confident of qualifying for the African championship, which will be held in Namibia.
South Africa reached the final of this year's championship.
"The bigger picture is to win the tournament and be among the top three countries that will represent Africa at the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup," said Mkhonza.
South African Football Association national executive committee member Nomsa Mahlangu said they would be planning for the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup early in the new year to ensure Amanda Dlamini and company qualify for the first time.
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