SAFA has given Banyana Banyana defender Simphiwe Dludlu the green light to travel to Belgrade, Serbia, for the World Student Games.

SAFA has given Banyana Banyana defender Simphiwe Dludlu the green light to travel to Belgrade, Serbia, for the World Student Games.

"We are excited Safa has finally allowed Simphiwe to travel with us to Serbia," said Jerry Laka, University Sport South Africa (Ussa) soccer chairperson.

Banyana Banyana had earlier informed Ussa that Dludlu will not be going to Serbia, but will instead join them for friendlies in Holland.

"We have always maintained that the World Student Games are more important than a series of friendlies, hence we pleaded with Safa to let Simphiwe go to Serbia," said Laka.

Dludlu is one of the two Banyana Banyana players in the team to Serbia, which is coached by former Kaizer Chiefs player Joseph "Skheshekeshe" Mkhonza, who is assisted by Sello Mokoena.

The second Banyana Banyana player going to Serbia is defender Lebogang Thobejane.

Sanele Madlala, Ussa president and head of delegation for the World Student Games, said the team leaves for Serbia on June 24.

"As per the tradition of the tournament, soccer is starting early on June 30 (with a game against Brazil). They also have South Korea and Germany in their group."

South Africa will be represented in swimming, athletics, women's soccer, judo, men's volleyball, fencing, gymnastics, taekwondo and basketball.

Federation of International Universities Sports executive member Malumbete Ralethe said it would be great competing with many countries starting their preparations for the 2012 London Olympics.

Australia, Jamaica, Britain and United States use the World Student Games to prepare for the Olympics.

Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana travel to Namibia to play an international friendly on Saturday. They plan to use this match as final preparation for their tour of the Netherlands next month. - Additional reporting by Linda Moreotsene