South Africa's Banyana Banyana have arranged interesting international friendlies in preparing for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

 South Africa who will be making their maiden appearance at the world cup finals, are leaving no stone unturned in making a concrete statement when the global event serves off.

The team qualified for the World Cup after finishing as runners-up to Nigeria at the recently held 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Banyana Banyana will kick off their 2019 calendar with a closed-door practice match against Sweden on January 17 followed by a friendly with the Netherlands two days later before a rematch with the Swedish women's team on January 22.

Shortly after the warm-up games, the 2017 and 2018 COSAFA champions will travel to Europe to compete in the 2019 Cyprus Women's Cup holding from February 25 to March 7.

At the 12-team showpiece in Cyprus where fellow World Cup-bound campaigners Nigeria, Italy and Thailand will also feature; the Sasol-sponspored side will aim to exceed their sixth-place finish on their seventh appearance in the yearly event.

Coach Desiree Ellis' tutored team have been housed in Group A of the bi-invitational tournament alongside Czech Republic, Finland and Korea DPR.

After their participation at the Cyprus Women's Cup, Ellis and her charges will be away to defending world champions USA in a tie set for May 12 at the Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara in California.

"Everyone says we are in a tough group at the World Cup, which is true, but then again, no one said it can't be done. The players, as well as the technical team, will gain invaluable experience with the matches lined-up for our preparation. I can only thank SAFA and our proud sponsor Sasol for all the support they have given this team," the former Banyana Banyana skipper began on SAFA.net

"What more can we ask for? I am just in awe of the programme we have in front of us. What we are looking at are confirmed seven world-class preparation matches against top-class opposition - and this is exactly in line with how things will be like at the World Cup. And also, depending on how we fare at the Cyprus Cup, we may just add another match.

"Three of the sides are in the top ten in terms of world rankings (USA - 1, Netherlands - 7, Sweden - 9), then you have Korea DPR, which will give us a taste of what to expect in France when we face China PR, while others will give an indication of what Spain and Germany have to offer at the World Cup. This is just what the doctor ordered - good preparation, which needs to be followed by prefect execution at the tournament. I am looking forward to the new year e great anticipation and full of hope," she added.

Following their tune-up clash with the Stars and Stripes of USA, the South Africans will shift their attention to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, where they have been pooled with Spain, China PR and former winners Germany.

Banyana Banyana are expected to assemble in camp on the 9th of January to begin training sessions for a busy year of football matches ahead of them.