Picture: Bantwana Bantwana players during training/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
28 June 2026 – South African U17 Women’s National team coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo has named a squad of 23 players to face Kenya in the crucial third and final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Bantwana will host the East Africans in the first leg on 4 July 2026, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium before travelling to Kenya for the return fixture scheduled for 12 July.
Khumalo said she has kept the bulk of the team that was triumphant over Tanzania in the second round, making only three changes with Akhona Simamane, Sinenhlanhla Dutywa and Leonay Kock taking the places of Palesa Jacobs, Mpondo Monyamane and Mmasello Ledwaba. She further said the squad assembled for camp on 26 June 2026, in Johannesburg.
“This will be the final hurdle in the U17 Women’s qualifiers with the winner between South Africa and the East Africans booking their ticket to the 10th edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to be played in Morocco between 17 October and 7 November 2026.
“Both Bantwana and Kenya have travelled different paths to the third round,” added Khumalo.
The Guardian 