South Africa Women's Team profile: key players, full squad list, coach for 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup

Topics: FIFA Women's World Cup, France, South Africa

The Bayana Bayana will debut at the FIFA Women's World Cup in France this summer.

What is the South Africa Women's team's history in the FIFA Women's World Cup?

A semi-final qualification at the 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations landed South Africa a historic-first qualification to the FIFA Women's World Cup. Aside 12 appearances at the Africa championship, the Bayana Bayana has also qualified for the Summer Olympic Games on two occasions (2012 and 2016)

What is South Africa's group at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

The AWCON runners-up are in Group B. For more information and analysis on the South Africans' Last 16 qualification chances, check out Group B: Germany, China, Spain, South Africa - 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup teams.

What is South Africa Women team's full squad list for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Goalkeepers: Mapaseka Mpuru, Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart

Defenders: Lebogang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Noko Matlou, Janine van Wyk, Bambanani Mbane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bongeka Gamede

Midfielders: Mamello Makhabane, Karabo Dhlamini, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Kholosa Biyana, Busisiwe Ndimeni, Sibulele Holweni

Forwards: Ode Fulutudilu, Amanda Mthandi, Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Rhoda Mulaudzi

Who are the key players to watch for South Africa at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

South Africa will come into this summer's tournament with the star of the 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations and the current best player in Africa Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana in its ranks. The Houston Dash attacker impressed at the AWCON as her side progressed to the final by scoring five goals and providing three assists.

The 22-year-old was the player of the match in three consecutive games, a feat no one matched at the tournament.

Also, right-back of the Bayana Bayana Lebohang Ramalepe, as well as captain of the side Janine Van Wyk, are among the star names in Desiree Ellis's setup. The pair were named in the 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations Best XI alongside Kgatlana.

20-year-old Linda Motlhalo might also have something to prove come this summer in France. The midfielder completed a move to Chinese outfit Beijing Phoenix in February following an impressive spell with Houston Dash and South Africa at the AWCON.

Who is the South Africa Women team's coach?

59-year-old Desiree Ellis is the current head coach of the South Africa Women's team. The Cape Town native enjoyed a fruitful playing career which spanned between 1978 and 2002.

Overall, she scored 368 goals in 600 appearances in her club career while registering six goals in 32 caps for the Bayana Bayana. Between 2006 and 2016, Ellis was the coach of Spurs Ladies in South Africa.

She was appointed to be in charge of the South Africa women's national team in 2016 and achieved a runners-up finish at the 2018 AWCON with the team. South Africa Women's team's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup fixtures.