Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw yesterday played down the pressure on her shoulders to qualify for the Olympics after she failed to book a spot at this year's World Cup with the women's senior team.

Pauw, who signed a one-year contract, named a number of young players in her squad set to take part in the Cyprus Women's Cup next month as part of the team's preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics qualifiers later this year.

She has included young goalkeeper Mputle Ntshetsana at the expense of experienced shot stopper Thoko Mndaweni, while she expects youngsters like Kelso Peskin, Lerato Kgasago, Jermaine Seoposengwe and Shiwe Nogwanya to shine in the senior team.

Banyana will travel to Cyprus tonight and will face Belgium, Czech Republic and Mexico in Group C. The competition runs from March 2 to 12.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Roxanne Barker, Andile Dlamini, Mputle Ntshetsana

Defenders: Nothando Vilakazi, Janine van Wyk, Noko Matlou, Lebogang Ramalepe, Tshepiso Mokabane, Lerato Kgasago

Midfielders: Amanda Dlamini, Alochia Thobokela, Leandra Smeda, Refiloe Jane, Mamello Makhabane, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Silindile Ngubane, Kelso Peskin

Strikers: Jermaine Seoposengwe, Portia Modise, Sanah Mollo, Shiwe Nogwanya, Rhoda Mulaudzi, Disebo Mametja