Pretoria - Central defender Janine van Wyk and midfield star Gabisile Hlumbane are off the injury list and back in the 25 member-strong Banyana Banyana squad, to prepare for next Saturday's Olympic qualifier return leg against Zambia.
The Olympic qualifier is expected to be played in a carnival atmosphere at the 18 000 capacity King Zwelithini stadium in Umlazi, Durban, as Banyana look to advance to the next round, taking a step closer to being one of two African teams that will participate in the 2012 London Olympics.
Van Wyk, who plays her club football for Sasol League National Champions Palace Super Falcons, and Kovsies FC's Hlumbane, will report to the national training camp in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
This will be a boost for Banyana, who will be looking to build on their 2-1 win over the Zambians in the first leg encounter played in Lusaka last weekend.
There are seven new players in the team to face Zambia.
The new players are goalkeeper Mandy d'Aurujo (Tuks Sport, Gauteng), striker Martha Mahlangu (Brazilians, Limpopo), central midfielder Nomawethu Nyusani (Coastal Ladies, Eastern Cape), Zama Cele (Real City, Kwazulu Natal), defender Mantombi Jinqi (University of the Western Cape) and midfielder Nomathemba Nsibande (Springs Homesweepers, Gauteng).
Nsibande's call up follows a good showing during player trials at the Sasol League Road Show held in Randfontein last December.
Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza said the squad will be trimmed to 18 players for the Zambian match, with the names to be announced next Thursday.
"The Banyana Banyana players showed great character to get the win while playing on heavy underfoot conditions in Lusaka last weekend.
"Taking on the Zambians without six of our regular players was not easy but those who played in Lusaka performed admirably, which now increases the depth and experience of the Banyana squad.
"Having Van Wyk and Hlumbane back in training is great news as they both add immense value in key positions in the team," he said.
