Ntombifuthi Khumalo to lead SA u20 women in Windhoek
The South African girls’ team is one of the favourites to lift the title at the forthcoming Regional 5 Youth Games. The event takes place in Namibia from 4 to 13 July.
South Africa’s women’s football teams have earned a strong reputation over the years, and the country is viewed as a powerhouse in the Southern African region at women’s u20 level.
Historically, South Africa secured victory in three Region 5 Games women’s u20 tournaments between 2014 and 2018, and the country finished third in 2019 at the inaugural Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) u20 Women’s Championship.
One of the players expected to lead South Africa challenge in Namibia is Katlego Malebana, who was named in the SuperSport Schools Class of 2024.
She was captain of the South African team that proudly claimed the title at the u15 CAF African Schools Football Tournament in Zanzibar in 2024. She has also captained South Africa’s u17 national team.
Malebana brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the side. That experience includes playing for the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies first team in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
The squad includes other exceptional players, among them Mphelo Thorisho, who is a student at Holly Family College and a first team player for JVW FC, and Khwezi Khoza, who has already proved herself at u20 level.
Coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo, who has enjoyed success with the national women’s development teams, will guide the South African squad, and will be assisted by, among others, Rhoda Mulaudzi, a former forward for Mamelodi Sundowns, who serves in the coaching department of Sundowns’ development team.
They’ll enjoy further support from Thokozile Mndaweni and Sanelisiwe Dladla, who complete the technical team.
u20 South African National Women’s Team
Katleho Malebana, Zizipho Mhlahlo, Sethabile Kamwande, Shifaa Hoossen, Lindelwa Mabuza, Busisiwe Mokoena, Samkelo Gwamanda, Adrienne Schmidt, Naylene Morgan, Mbali Ndlovu, Kwezi Khoza, Thorisho Mphelo, Zoe October, Juddy Baloyi, Karabo Mahasha, Reese Egberink, Nonzuzo Buthelezi, Siphesihle Mvila, Sindiwiwe Bidli, Siyamthanda Macingwana.
Coaches/Management
Ntombifuthi Khumalo, Rhoda Mulaudzi, Thokozile Mndaweni, Sanelisiwe Dladla.
