19 January 2024 – The South African U17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana), have begun their preparations for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia.
The young ladies will face the East African Nation in a two-legged affair, of the 2nd round of qualifier on 2 February away from home, and on 10 February 2024 at home, where they will be looking to progress to the last round of qualifiers for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Bantwana will be looking to secure a spot to the Dominican Islands, in what will be South Africa’s third appearance at the junior world cup for women.
The team began their month- long camp on Monday, 15 January 2024, and focused on fitness levels. “This has been a very taxing week for the girls, as we have to regain fitness before anything else. We are happy with the progress they are making and we have asked them to dig deep because we begin the year with very crucial matches, and they have to show up to gain a spot in the team,” coach Ntabeleng “Dunga” Modiko told www.safa.net.
“We have a huge preliminary squad, and it was pivotal that we worked on fitness this week, because it is never easy to begin a camp after the festive season. Therefore, we have been hard at work this week ensuring that the players are at a certain level of fitness before we dive into the tactics of our qualifiers.
“We have had fitness tests, and a few session where ball possession, small build ups and regrouping have been the main focus.
“This coming week we will be looking to cut the squad down to the 23 players that will represent the country in the qualifiers. We are also ensuring that the players are up to date with their studies, since the opening of schools this past Wednesday.”
Modiko said the education factor has been catered for. “We have a tutor in camp to ensure that players are not only focused on football, but also mentally get back into the classroom, as they are at a critical age of their education.”