24 August 2019 — The South Africa vs Cameroon match is one encounter South Africa’s National Women Under-20 (Basetsana) squad cannot afford to lose if they are to stay longer in this year’s All Africa Games competition.
This according to Basetsana vice-captain, Oratile Mokwena, who says the National Under-20 Women juniors have since been working really hard in training to ensure that they achieve this goal when they meet with Cameroon this evening at the Stade Boubker Ammar in Rabat.
This match will kick-off at 18h30 (SA time).
As it stands, Basetsana are third in their Group B standings with three points after two matches played and would need nothing but a win against Cameroon, who are a point ahead of them, in order for them to progress to the semis.
Mokwena said Basetsana are now ready for the battle that is coming.
“We have been working really hard in our preparations leading up to this tie,” Mokwena said. “We were hoping for Cameroon to lose in their match against Nigeria, however, they played to a 1-1 draw. We had a video analysis session where our coaching staff showed us on which areas we can exploit in order to push for a winning result in this match.
“This is one encounter we cannot afford to lose or play to a draw in.”
Mokwena, who is related to the former Orlando Pirates star Lebogang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena, also mentioned that she was pleased with her personal grow in the sport, adding that she feels truly honoured after having graduated from South Africa’s National Under-17 Women’s (Bantwana) squad into the Basetsana team.
Mokwena also featured in the Basetsana squad which finished third in this year’s inaugural COSAFA Under-20 Women Championship.
“Lebogang has been a true inspiration in my aspirations of wanting to become a professional female footballer and also representing my nation at the highest level,” Mokwena said. “He always used to tell me that my time would come and that I should be patient and focus on developing as a player. I have followed that advice and it has played a massive part in taking me to where I am now.”
“It also is truly an honour to be repenting my nation in this tournament as a vice-captain,” Mokwena added. “This was the case with South Africa’s National Under-17 (Bantwana) squad which went to last year’s FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup that took place in Uruguay, and I am truly happy after having progressed into the Basetsana squad still serving in a similar role as well.”