The South African Women’s Under 20 National Team (Basetsana) has completed their preparations for the World Cup qualifier against neighbours Botswana.
The clash takes place on Sunday, 12 July at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto. Kick-off is at 15h00.
South African and Botswana meet over two legs, with the second leg scheduled to be played in two weeks’ time.
Basetsana have been in camp since Monday, 6 July.
“We had very good training sessions and we believe we are ready for the match. We have met Botswana before and even though they looked weak at the time, we cannot underestimate them – we will not allow the past to determine our play, we just have to work very hard to ensure victory as we would surely see ourselves at the World Cup next year,” said Basetsana captain Amogelang Motau after their final training session at the match venue.
“We have been close to qualifying for the event and we know how it feels to be so near yet so far, so for us the journey starts on Sunday against Botswana. Also we are playing at home and so it is important to start well so that we are not under pressure in the second leg.”
The winners between South Africa and Botswana, after two legs, will come up against the victors between Tanzania and Zambia.
The third and final round will be played on the weekend in October, with the second leg set for early November.
The 2016 FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup tournament will be held in Papua New Guinea from 28 October to 16 November.
The African continent has been allocated only two spots at the world showpiece out of the sixteen nations that will participate in the tournament.
Match Officials:
REFEREE: Maria Packuita Cynquela RIVET (MAURITIUS)
1ST. ASS. REF: Queency VICTOIRE (MAURITIUS)
2ND. ASS. REF: Marie Ornella SALAMUN (MAURITIUS)
4TH OFFICIAL: Letchia Manga (NAMIBIA)