The coach says several factors complicated the selection process, with some players facing challenges with their travel documents while others are sidelined by injuries.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Ellis says she is looking forward to seeing the players give their all and wants them to approach the tournament with a competitive mindset.

"It was very difficult because a lot of players had raised their hands, and I needed to select from a different group of players. If you look at the squad that we have announced, there are five players who have come back. You know it's our World Cup tournament – you cannot think of anything further than this one and, of course, the first game, and it's never selecting. It has become more and more difficult," says Ellis.

Ellis has also included several overseas-based players, bringing valuable international experience into the squad.

The list includes strikers Hilda Magaia of Al-Ittihad WFC and Thembi Kgatlana of Tigres UANL, as well as Nordsjaelland duo Sibulele Holweni and Bongeka Gamede.

Ellis says she remains in constant communication with the overseas-based players, monitoring their progress at their respective clubs.

"I have conversations with them. I think I speak a lot with Thembi [Kgatlana] because she's scoring almost every week. I've had conversations with Bongeka [Gamede] as well as Amo [Amogelang Motau] and Linda [Motlhalo] in Glasgow. I actually met Linda's strength and conditioning coach – she was there this week as part of the multidisciplinary team that FIFA brought, so I actually met her.

"It's a follow-up on what they do. We look at their games; we speak to their conditioning coaches. Well, not me directly, but our conditioning coaches stay in contact with them to be able to get what they're doing, so when they come in, we know where they are at."

The 63-year-old mentor has also raised concerns about the standard of football in the local league, saying the intensity levels are currently below where they should be.

However, Ellis is encouraged by the continued determination of local players to put their hands up for national team selection despite the challenges.