Coach Simphiwe Dludlu is nervous as the U17 women's football team of South Africa move closer to qualifying for this year's FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay.

 Batwana are only 90 minutes away from securing their place in the finals after they defeated Morocco 5-1 in the first leg, final round qualifier last Sunday at the Dobsonville Stadium.

Karabo Dlamini led with the way with a brace, coupled with strikes each from Thambolinye Mzoneli, Miche Minnies and Sphumelele Shamese as the South Africans recorded the heavy win.

Despite the comprehensive lead heading into the return leg, Dludlu have said her players will not underrate the East Africans who are capable of causing an upset.

“I am still nervous but it’s good nerves – the kind that say it’s not over yet, the kind that remind us that this is a game of football and it can still be lost there. These are the kind of nerves that remind us to go back to the drawing board to strenghthen what we did right, and improve on what was lacking,” said Dludlu on SAFA.net

“I am not going to be complacent, and the girls will certainly not be complacent – we actually two feet out becuause the opposition can also come up with a good plan to counter ours. We just have to forget about the last match, it’s behind us. We are going to play a new game altogether – yes we put ourselves at an advantge but the results that matter are of the upcoming fixture, nothing else."

The second leg match will be played on Saturday, February 17 at the Stade Boubker Aamar in Sale, Morocco, with the overall winners qualifying the mundial.


Facebook Page: Ultima Sports Net
Twitter: @RachyUgiagbe411
Instagram: @RachyUgiagbe411