Ellis opted to name a largely locally based squad with only six players that ply their trade abroad. The squad will be trimmed by nine players in the coming weeks.

The match will serve as preparation for the FIFA Women's World Cup that will be played in Australia and New Zealand in July and August.

Ellis said this game forms an important part of what is a very big year with the World Cup coming up.

“We all know this is a very big year for women’s football and when the final 23-player traveling party to the FIFA Women’s World Cup is announced, we want to make sure that when we meet up with the other players that we’ve pushed them to a different level.

“This is all part of our preparation towards the World Cup. And as we said, we start now with what we plan to do at the World Cup and so far the players have responded fantastically in the last camp in Turkey, and we hope we can take it to the next level in the next camp.”

Banyana will go into camp on Monday and they will face Serbia in Belgrade on 10 April.

Banyana Bayana preliminary squad:

Goalkeepers - Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Regirl Ngobeni (UWC FC), Katlego Moletsane (Royal AM), Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy)

Defenders - Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower FC), Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Fikile Magama (UWC FC), Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC FC), Noko Matlou (SD Eibar), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Bongeka Gamede (UWC FC)

Midfielders - Refiloe Jane (Sassuolo FC), Sibulele Holweni (UWC FC), Thubelihle Shamase (UJ FC), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City), Kholosa Biyana (UWC FC), Cimone Sauls (JVW FC), Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy), Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC), Amogelang Motau (UWC FC)

Forwards - Noxolo Cesane (Tigres Femenil), Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC), Sphumelele Shamase (UJ FC), Jermaine Seoposenwe (FC Juarez), Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies), Hildah Magaia (Sejong Sportstoto), Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Ntombifikile Ndlovu (UWC FC), Wendy Shongwe (Tuks FC)

Morgan Piek OFM Sport