Former Banyana Banyana international Dludlu led the team to the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup in Uruguay last year, their second appearance at the global showpiece event after the first in 2010.
She was elevated to take charge of the national Under-20s at the recent COSAFA Women’s Under-20 Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay, where she led the side to the bronze medal after a penalty shoot-out victory over Zimbabwe.
Dludlu has been widely praised for her work with young players and her return to her previous role is a boost for the team. Still only 31, she is a previous captain of Banyana and an excellent defender in her playing days, which included spells with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and University of Pretoria.
South Africa have been drawn in Group B at the first ever COSAFA Under-17 Women’s Championship, and begin their campaign against Seychelles on September 21.
They also take on Botswana two days later and end their pool play against Madagascar on September 25.
The top two teams in each pool advance to the semifinals.