South Africa's Banyana Banyana last Thursday kicked off their preparations towards this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

 South Africa qualified for their maiden women's world cup finals, having finished as runners-up to arch-rivals Nigeria at the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations in Ghana.

The Sasol-sponspored team held their first training session at Ikamva, the home of Ajax Cape Town with 21 players in attendance, under the watchful eyes of coach Desiree Ellis.

And Ellis who was recently named CAF's Women's National Team Coach of the Year, believes her side's hard work starts immediately to ensure an impressive outing at the World Cup.

“It was a surreal moment for me, I am truly humbled and blessed by the award – we don’t do things for awards and rewards, but I suppose if the team does well, that is the outcome," the 55-year-old is quoted saying on Goal.

 "It is a great moment for me, but I have to give credit to my assistants – we strategise and come up with a plan, and it’s up to the players to execute the plan, so it is a collective effort by the entire team.

"I should also thank the coaches that have come before me at Banyana Banyana as they laid the foundation and we have just continued with that. They say, ‘it’s all in God’s timing,’ and this is the time. Thank you very much South Africa, but the hard work starts now as we prepare for our next big challenge, that is the World Cup.”

The South African side who are drawn with Spain, China PR and Germany in Group A of the world cup; have lined up top international friendly matches in preparing for the global women's football event.

Twenty Five players have named in the squad to face the Netherlands and Sweden in their first friendlies taking place this month, with captain Janine van Wyk, Linda Mothlalo and reigning African Woman Player of the Year, Thembi Kgatlana making the list.

Banyana Banyana full squad list to face Netherlands and Sweden.

 1. Andile Dlamini
2. Kaylin Swart
3. Victoria Muroa
4. Lebogang Ramalepe
5. Nothando Vilakazi
6. Janine van Wyk
7. Noko Matlou
8. Bambanani Mbane
9. Tiisetso Makhubela
10. Koketso Tlailane
11. Karabo Dlamini
12. Mamello Makhabane
13. Leandra Smeda
14. Nompumelelo Nyandeni
15. Linda Mothlaho
16. Busisiwe Ndimeni
17. Refiloe Jane
18. Molatelo Sebata
19. Kholosa Biyana
20. Jermaine Seoposenwe
21. Thembi Kgatlana
22. Kelso Peskin
23. Amanda Mthandi
24. Hildah Magaia
25. Rhoda Malaudzi