Desiree Ellis: Banyana to leave no stone unturned as WAFCON approaches

This was her sentiments after announcing a 24-player squad to host Botswana and Zambia in a three-nation series, with Banyana fixtures scheduled for 28 and 31 May. 

READ: Jane returns as Ellis names Banyana squad for friendlies

Speaking to SABC Sport, Ellis said the main aim is to get the blend of youth and experience right while also testing the players' physicality among COSAFA’s best.

"We want to leave no stone unturned and we want to make sure that we give players an opportunity, but we also want to make sure that we get the mix right," said Ellis.

"Getting that mix right, right now, is not where we're at and it's still another test with three COSAFA teams going to WAFCON – Botswana doing really well in the last one, getting to the quarters, and Zambia getting to the semis and earning a bronze.

"So they added a lot of value and have evolved over the years, with Zambia going to successive Olympic Games, so I think they will bring what they've always brought – the physicality, their speed, their strength.

"And we know that sometimes we've struggled against physicality, but we need to be better, to be more in control, and Botswana we know they will bring the transition and they're physically strong, so they will bring that."

Notable inclusions in the squad include the return of captain Refiloe Jane and defender Karabo Dhlamini, who both have returned from injuries, with Ellis looking to assess their progress in training.

"Quality is quality. She's been out for 11 months and Malawi [matches] just came too soon, after she had played one game, and now she's played more games," she added.

"But coming into the camp, we'll obviously assess because that's the only way you can really assess, because sometimes there's a lack of quality in the league and you're not able to see what the players are capable of.

"Sometimes they play within themselves as well, but we're seeing moments where there's that Refiloe Jane that we know, but in camp we'll be able to see all of that and it's just great to have her, Bambanani [Mbane] and Karabo [Dhlamini] back from injury."