25 January 2018 – The South African Women’s U20 national team landed safely in Nigeria on Wednesday, 24 January for their FIFA U20 second leg clash against the Falconets.
Basetsana have been hard at work in preparation for this do-or-die encounter against the West Africans who carry a comfortable 2-0 cushion heading into the return leg after defeating South Africa a fort night ago at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane.
The youthful Basetsana side will draw solace from the fact that this is not an entirely new situation they are in having reversed the very same scoreline against Burundi to advance to the final stages by a remarkable 5-2 aggregate scoreline.
Speaking to SAFA.net upon their arrival, Basetsana coach, Maud Khumalo said the girls are determined and need no motivation when facing a side like Nigeria.
“Ours has been to work on the tactical work for this match. The girls are hungry for this game and know what it would mean for them to get a good result here in Nigeria. We have told them that anything is possible and the belief is there in their eyes” said Khumalo.
Echoing the sentiments of her coach was Basetsana skipper, Linda Motlhalo saying that they will give everything in this match.
“We are coming into the game as the underdogs which alleviates a bit of pressure from us. We have nothing to lose so we have to play our hearts out and execute everything that the coach has instructed us to do” said Motlhalo.
The FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup takes place in France between 5 and 24 August this year.