Basetsana begin World Cup Preparations.
29 October 2009
The South African National Under 20 Women's Team, Basetsana, begin their preparations for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup qualifiers with a friendly international match against Namibia this coming weekend.
The South Africans fly out to Namibia on Friday (30 October) with their match scheduled to take place on Saturday (31 October). Kick off is at 16h00.
Basetsana have been camping at the High Performance Centre (HPC) in Pretoria undergoing scientific testing. “We have to ensure that the players are fully fit and prepared for the qualifiers where we will meet either Reunion or Madagascar on December 5th. In the first leg Reunion beat Madagascar 3-1 so we have to be at our best,” said team manager Hilton-Smith.
The Women's U-20 World Cup is scheduled for Germany next year starting on July 13 to August 01.
In the qualifiers, South Africa is in Group A together with their arch-rivals Nigeria, as well as Reunion, Madagascar, Uganda and Rwanda.
“Namibia is very a strong side. The majority of their women's senior national team players are in the U-20 squad as they have a very big youth development programme. This will therefore be a tough encounter, but it should come in handy by preparing us well for the qualifiers,” said Hilton-Smith.
Two Banyana Banyana players have been included in the Basetsana squad - namely Chantelle Esau and Busisiwe Ndimini.
Group B of the qualifiers features Namibia, Botswana, Republic Democratic of Congo, Ghana, Egypt and Tunisia. Mozambique were part of the group but have since withdrawn their participation in the qualifiers due financial constraints.
Here is the full list of the Basetsana team:
|
Goalkeepers |
|
1 |
Yalula Tsawe |
Coastal United |
|
2 |
Lebohang Phume |
University Of Johannesburg |
|
Defenders |
|
1 |
Valencia Moeng |
Crusaders |
|
2 |
Thembeka Magxidolo |
HPC |
|
3 |
Asanele Ngalo |
Birmingham Ladies |
|
4 |
Yola Jafta |
University Of Johannesburg |
|
5 |
Elizabeth Cele |
Real City |
|
6 |
Amanda Sister |
Liverpool |
|
Midfielders |
|
1 |
Nomandla Nqothani |
Dangerous Heroes |
|
2 |
Maite Makola |
Mokopane Academy |
|
3 |
Chantelle Esau |
Super Falcons |
|
4 |
Lerato Kgasago |
Fabulous |
|
5 |
Busisiwe Ndimeni |
Swallows FC |
|
Stikers |
|
1 |
Mapule Malatjie |
Flamengo |
|
2 |
Melinda Kgadiete |
Birmingham City |
|
3 |
Kate Nhlapo |
HPC/Zamdela |
|
4 |
Ntswaki Ramolahlehi |
Mangaung Young Centre |
|