Olympic qualifiers: Ex-Atletico Madrid star headlines South Africa’s preliminary squad list ahead of Nigeria clash

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has named a 29-woman preliminary squad ahead of the crucial Olympic qualifiers in April, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Falcons have not qualified for the Women's football competition of the Olympic games since 2008. However, they are just one step from ending their long hiatus in the competition.

Randy Waldrum's women would have to get past the Banyana Banyana of South Africa to get a ticket to the Olympics, but it will not be an easy one for them. Nigeria saw off opponents like Cameroon and Ethiopia, while South Africa saw off DR Congo and Tanzania.

Nigeria and South are set to square off on April 1 and April 9, and ahead of the game, Banyana Banyana boss Ellis has invited 29 players. And, of course, their star girl, former Atletico Madrid star Thembi Kgatlana, was not left out. Other notable additions are Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hilda Magaia, and Lonathemba Mhlongo.

Full Squad

The players will open camp on March 25, and the team will be trimmed down to 23 players afterwards.

Nigeria will play the first leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on April 1. Then, they will travel to South Africa eight days later.

Meanwhile, the NFF is yet to reveal Nigeria's squad for the game. But unlike the Banyana Banyana, coach Randy Waldrum is expected to reveal his final 23-woman list at once.

Nigeria and South Africa are two of the biggest teams on the continent, and the game is expected to be a tough one.