3 November 2017 – Braving the scorching heat of Bujumbura, Basetsana had their final training session ahead of the 2018 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Burundi on Saturday, 4 November at the Prince Louise Rwagasore Stadium.
Basetsana safely landed in Burundi on Thursday evening (2 November) after travelling via Kenya to face the East Africans in the first leg of the qualifiers.
The South Africans secured a place in the second round of qualifiers after cruising past Namibia with a 9-0 aggregate score last month.
Comprising of exciting talent from the High Performance Centre and various Sasol League clubs, Basetsana coach, Maud Khumalo has assembled a formidable squad that is looking at rewriting the history books by being the first U20 Women’s side to play in a World Cup.
Basetsana concluded their preparations in South Africa with a friendly match against the Transnet School of Excellence which gave Khumalo a much clearer picture of her squad’s strengths and weaknesses.
“We have done all the preparations needed at home and now it is time for the players to implement what we have taught them. The experience of travelling long hours and braving the hot weather conditions will only make them stronger as a team. They are still young and this will go a long way in their development as future Banyana Banyana players” said Khumalo.
Should Basetsana overcome the East Africans in both legs, they will either face either Nigeria or Morocco in the third and final round of qualifiers.
The 9th edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup takes place in France between 9 and 24 August next year.