28 February 2020 – The South Africa U-17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana) will begin their 2020 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers this afternoon when they face Zambia in the opening leg at 15h00.

This match will be played at Nkoloma Stadium.

Head Coach Simphiwe Dludlu has named her starting eleven where Goalkeeper Rosalie James will earn her first international cap between the goal post.

Yolanda Nduli and Hlela Philisani will start at left and right back respectively, while Nkateko Nkhuna and Shakira O’Malley will play in the centre back positions.

Nabeelah Galant and Tiyana Carollessen are tasked with swinging in the crosses from left and right wing, while Nelly Gamede and Sonika Mzingeli will anchor the midfield.

Bantwana captain Jessica Wade will play upfront alongside Oyisa Marhasi.

“We need the players to settle into the match as quickly as possible; therefore, we will be looking for an early goal. We intend to attack from the first whistle and we want to give as many players as possible game-time so that they can quickly become accustomed to our style of play,” said Dludlu.

South African starting XI: Rosalie James (GK); Yolanda Nduli; Hlela Philisani; Nkateko Nkhuna; Shakira O’Malley; Nabeelah Galant; Tiyana Carollessen; Nelly Gamede; Sonika Mzingeli; Jessica Wade (C); Oyisa Marhazi

South African substitutes: Zubenathi Livi (GK); Mihle Lumko; Thimna Mpehle; Nthabiseng Majiya; Tiffany Kortjie; Aliyaa Allie; Lithemba Sam Sam; Cimone Sauls; Kananelo Taiwe

Match Officials: Thanks Nyahuye (Referee); Stellah Ruvinga (1st Assistant Referee); Faith Mloyi (2nd Asssistant Referee); Chipo Mayimbo Mercy (4th Official); Hawa Buzwani Maseko (Match Commissioner)