South Africa – 28

(Maharzi 3’, 21’, 23’, 27’,29’ 43; Wade 5’, 12’ 18’; Gamede 20’; Carollissen 30’, 40’; Mzingeli 31’,44’, 65’; Galant 45’; 47’, 75; O’Malley 55’; Kortjie 48’, 61’, 67’, 71, 73, 78; Noble 76’, Hlela 85’; Nduli 89’) 

Seychelles – 0

 21 September 2019 – The South African U-17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana), defeated Seychelles 28-0 in their COSAFA U17 Women’s Championships opening match on Saturday afternoon (21 September 2019).

The clash took place at Francois Xavier Stadium in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The one sided affair saw five South African players score hattricks in the match and overwhelm the islanders with their skill and great combination play.

Oyisa Maharzi, who was named player of the match, scored six goals in the first half before being substituted at the break, while Tiffany Kortjie continued where Marhazi left off and scored her double brace in the second stanza.

Captain Jessica Wade was a marvel to watch in midfield as she dictated the movement of the ball, while earning her three goals with a penalty in the 5thminute, an easy tap in the 12thminute and a long range shot six minutes later.

Nabeelah Gaant and Sonkia Mzingeli also had a great game with the world class crosses from the wings and double hattricks respectively. Nelly Gamede scored a beautiful goal from a set piece 20 minutes into the match.

“I am very happy for the players because this match gave them the confidence that they need going into the tournament. They had promised me goals this morning as a gift to me for my birthday. I asked for at least 21 goals but they were adamant to surpass my request and they did,” said Dludlu.

“I believe that although we scored many goals we were able to keep the shape I wanted, the players kept the discipline and respected the opponent, which is very important in football.”

Dludlu said despite the scoreline, Seychelles should not despair.

“This type of display should be encouraging to us as a national but also nations such as Seychelles, because this should motivate the girls to want more. They must bear in mind that South Africa started this journey a long time ago – the journey of developing women’s football – and although we have not reached the standard we want, we are making progress,” added Dludlu.

“Therefore countries like Seychelles and Madagascar who lost 6-0 to Botswana, should see such results as a motivation to do more for women’s football and not lose hope. We didn’t have the strongest opponent and that is a fact, but we needed this win ahead of what will be a tough encounter in our next match against Botswana on Monday.”

This is how South Africa lined up vs Seychelles:

South African starting XI:

Karabo Mohale (GK); Philisani Hlela; Yolanda Nduli; Shakira O’Malley; Nkateko Nkhuna; Nelly Gamede; Sonika Mzingeli; Tiyana Carollissen; Nabeelah Galant; Jessica Wade (C); Oyisa Marhazi

Subs:

Luyanda Sibiya (GK);Olivia Hardie; Shannon Macomo; Jade Leask (Wade 63’); Tiffany Kortjie (Carollissen 45’); Inathi Makaya; Jolaine Mouers; Mihle Lumko; Christy Noble (Marhazi 45’)

Head Coach: Simphiwe Dludlu