Bantwana in training camp for u17 World Cup qualifiers
By Siya Pongco, in Featured | Main Football | Featured Football | News , at 2024-01-18Tags: SAFA
Photo: SAFA
South Africa’s u17 women’s national football team, Bantwana, are in training camp preparing for two FIFA U17 World Cup qualifying matches.
With only three slots available for the African continent, South Africa will aim to make it to the World Cup for a third time. Previously, they qualified for the big event in 2010 and 2018. The Dominican Republic will host the u17 World Cup from 16 October to 3 November 2024.
Bantwana next faces Ethiopia in a two-legged tie, with the first leg taking place on 2 February, followed by the second leg on 10 February. The match on 2 February will be played away, while the return leg will be hosted at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgville, Pretoria.
Speaking to SAFA Media, South Africa’s u17’s Head Coach Nthabeleng “Dunga” Modiko said she’s focussing on the fitness level of his squad, with the players having recently returned from the festive period. Nthabeleng said it is important for them to be at the same level of preparedness.
Bantwana were last in action in October 2023 when they travelled to Morocco for two matches against Morocco’s u17 national women’s team. The first match, played at Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale on 2 October, ended in a 1-1 draw.
In the second clash, South Africa went down 0-2 at the Pere Jego Stadium in Casablanca, with Mohktar Jamai and Meyssane Layachi netting for the home side.
Preliminary Squad
Name and Surname Position Club
Shifaa Oossen Goalkeeper SAFA Academy (Gauteng)
Bilqees Salie Goalkeeper SAFA Academy (Gauteng)
Mbali Ndlovu Goalkeeper SAFA Academy (Gauteng)
Casey Gordan Goalkeeper JVW Academy (Gauteng)
Sinethemba Ngcobo Defender Napoli FC (Free State)
Bonolo Mokoma Defender JVW Academy (Gauteng)
Bonolo Phoshoko Defender SAFA Academy (Gauteng)
Nomfundo Motaung Defender Springs Home Sweepers (Gauteng)
Sethabile Kamwanda Defender Mamelodi Sundowns Academy (Gauteng)
Aphelele Mhlongo Defender Edendale High School (KZN)
Masabata Mothapo Defender Ixias FC (Free State)
Samkelo Gwamanda Defender Edendale High School (KZN)
Mpumelelo Mnisi Defender JVW Academy (Gauteng)
Mpho Nkadimeng Midfielder SAFA Academy (Gauteng)
Lindelwa Mabuza Midfielder Mamelodi Sundowns Academy
Zoe October Midfielder Cape Town Spurs (Western Cape)
Nomaswazi Vilakazi Midfielder University of Pretoria (Gauteng)
Julia Gconcalves Midfielder JVW Academy (Gauteng)
Katleho Malebana Midfielder Mamelodi Sundowns Academy
Luthando Radebe Midfielder Durban Ladies (KZN)
Lulamela Vena Midfielder Cape Town Roses (Western Cape)
Kelebohile Mokgadi Midfielder Napoli FC (Free State)
A passionate reader and dedicated writer, Siya possesses three degrees from Rhodes University including a Postgraduate Diploma at Rhodes University. He also played amateur cricket and soccer, both during his university years. While honing his journalism skills at Grocott’s Mail in Makhanda, he developed a profound interest in the community’s response to crime. Additionally, he covered topics such as art/culture and student politics at Rhodes University in 2022. In his spare time, Siya can be found exploring galleries, dining at restaurants, indulging in literature, taking photographs or savouring his favourite dish, spaghetti.
