Burgeoning Banyana Banyana handed tough draw for next year's World Cup

Banyana Banyana's focus on prioritising matches against high-class opposition in the build-up to next year's FIFA World Cup now looks even more useful after they were handed a very tough draw for the showpiece next year.

Desiree Ellis' troops will contest Group G in the tournament, which will take place in Australasia, and will have cope with heavyweights Sweden and Italy along with accomplished Argentina.

Their opponents' respective rankings paint a vivid picture of the magnitude of South Africa's task.

Sweden are currently considered the second best team in the world and are only marginally below defending world champions and leaders the USA.

Meanwhile, Italy are ranked 14th and while the Argentinians aren't quite as pedigreed as their male counterparts, they're just two spots off their best ranking in 29th.

That said, the South Americans - like Banyana in their maiden appearance in 2019 - haven't made it past the group stages before. 

Sweden have been runners-up in 2003 and Italy have reached the quarterfinals twice.

Ellis will be grateful for the insights and experiences of Linda Motlhalo and Refiloe Jane, two of her current squad members, who play in Sweden and Italy for Djurgardens and Sassuolo respectively.

Meanwhile, holders and four-time champions the United States will face the Netherlands in the group phase, a repeat of the 2019 final.Megan Rapinoe's United States will also meet debutants Vietnam and a play-off winner at the finals in Australia and New Zealand, following the draw in Auckland on Saturday.European champions England, the pre-tournament favourites together with the Americans, will play China, Denmark and another play-off winner.Led by veteran forward Rapinoe, the US are top of the FIFA rankings and going