Bantwana conclude preparations in SA before heading to Mauritius

18 September 2019 –The South African U-17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana) will have concuct their final training session on home soil this afternoon (Wednesday, 18 September 2019) before they depart for Mauritius on Thursday, 19 September where they will take part in the inaugural COSAFA U-17 Women’s Championship.

The tournament is scheduled to be played from 20 to 29 September in the capital Port St Louis.

South Africa is in Group B alongside Seychelles, Botswana and Madagascar.

Bantwana have been in camp for about two weeks where head coach Simphiwe Dludlu had invited 34 players for assessment –she has now trimmed the squad down to the required 20 players.

They had two practice matches –winning both 3-1 and 6-0 against JVW FC U-17 and a Soweto Select squad respectively.

Meanwhile, in a last minute change, midfielder Thando Sibanda of Mito Stars has been withdrawn from the travelling party as she is nursing a right ankle sprain that is believed will not heal on time for her to play in the tournament.

Her place has been taken by Jade Leask of JVW FC –she was part of the team played against Bantwana in a practice match last week.

In their opening match of the competition, South Africa will face Seychelles on Saturday, 21 September, followed two days later (Monday, 23 September) by a clash against Botswana and will round off the group stages with a fixture against Madagascar on Wednesday, 25 September.

All matches will take place at St Franscois Xavier Stadium.

Midfielder Jessica Wade is expected wear the captain’s armband at the tournament.

UPDATED BANTWANA SQUAD TO 2019 COSAFA U-17 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP