24 February 2025 – South African U17 women’s national team coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo is happy with the way her training camp has progressed in the last few days.
Bantwana assembled from 16 – 22 February 2025 for a week-long training camp as part of the preparations for their second round 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria on 8 March and 15 Match 2025.
The South Africans have their eye on a third FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup and Khumalo said the camp went very well as they continue to leave no stone unturned ahead of this important assignment. Players that participated in the camp this past weekend could be in line to fight for a spot in the team against the core that beat Gabon 21- 2 on aggregate in the first round of the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers a few weeks ago.
“The camp went very well because the reason we were trying to reinforce the team is to get strong players, especially our midfield. We were trying to find strong players that can measure up against the upcoming opponent (Nigeria),” the coach said.
Khumalo there might have been some challenges during the camp, but they have identified four players who could be part of the final team.
“Yeah, in Under-17 youth football, there are so many aspects of the game you need to improve on individually, and group-wise. There are so many aspects of the game you need to improve.
“But what we discovered from this camp, it was the talent, and I was also happy in terms of the level of fitness of the players that we introduced in the team. They are all ready. Most of them are at their fitness level. As far as the conditioning is concerned, it was great. So, for the next game, I’m 100% happy because we will have a strong team to compete.”
