The South African U17 Women’s National team (Bantwana) were given the morning off to write exams but will resume training this afternoon.

Bantwana will play a practice match against the Wits Ladies side in preparation for the second leg of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia scheduled for Sunday, 24 November.

The return-leg qualifier will be played at the Bidvest Wits Stadium. Kick-off is at 15h00.

The SA U17 squad had their second training session at the Edenvale Football Grounds on Monday (18 November). Bantwana mentor, Sheryl Botes said preparations were on track and that the afternoon training session would give an indication of what still needed to be done ahead of this all-important qualifier.

“We had a couple of disruptions due the girls writing exams but that should not derail our plans because we know the importance this qualifier,” said Botes.

Two spots are up for grabs on the continent and the South Africans know what is at stake. Bantwana players will be working towards making their second appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup that will be staged in Costa Rica from 15 March to 5 April next year.

“We should not focus too much on the results of the first match but look at scoring enough goals in Sunday’s match to see us through to the World Cup next year. It is also important that we do not concede,” added Botes.-TDN
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