We are reliably informed that the namibian team is relatively young with six players from the U/17 team featuring in the squad for exposure, according to Head coach of the namibian National women soccer Jacqueline Shipanga. Africa has got two slots for the 2012 World Cup in Japan who have now got the right to hos the tournament from 19 August- 09 September.
South African Women's U-20 Complete Preparation Ahead of World Cup Qualifier
The South African Under 20 Women’s National Team (Basetsana) has completed a successful training camp before departing for Botswana where they will play the first leg of the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup first round qualifier scheduled for Molepolole Stadium in Gaborone on Friday. Kick-off 19h00.
The championships will take place in Japan from 18 August – 9 September 2012.
The Basetsana squad has been training at the Nike Sports Centre and Edenvale Sports Grounds. They departed for Botswana this morning (16 February 2012).
Head coach, Sheryl Botes said preparations had gone well and the mood in camp was one of excitement following the win over Zimbabwe earlier this month.
“I am glad preparations have been going according to plan and the performance over Zimbabwe has given the girls added motivation. I would also like them to carry the same attitude to Botswana, and continue from where we left off. The target is to do well in the qualifiers as we would like to see ourselves in Japan come August,” said Botes.
Basetsana played a practice match against Diambars Football Academy U16 Boys side on Tuesday (14 February 2012) to keep the girls in good condition.
“The girls played really well against the boys’ side and I am happy with the massive progress they have made. The tactical formation and combinations along with defensive techniques are coming together quite well. We are aware that the away game against Botswana will come with its challenges but our aim is to score as many goals over there as we can so that we have a comfortable lead going into the second leg of the qualifier here at home,” added Botes.
The return leg match is scheduled for Saturday 3 March 2012.The squad returns to South Africa on Saturday, 18 February 2012.
Banyana Banyana Beats Brazilian club side Cepe Caxias
The South African Senior Women’s National Team (Banyana Banyana) got their South American campaign off to a winning start with a one nil (1-0) win over Brazil club Cepe Caxias. The match was played in baking heat on Valentine’s Day (Tuesday, 14 February 2012) at the Xerem Duque de Caxias Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini scored the solitary goal in the 77th minute.
The skipper tapped the ball home after receiving a superbly played diagonal pass form the right hand side of the field. The ball was delivered by second half substitute midfielder Memory Makhanya.
Striker Sanah Mollo of Bloemfontein Celtic in the Free State Sasol League, started up front alongside tall Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (Gauteng Sasol League) goal-getter Andisiwe Mgcoyi, with Leandra Smeda, Mary Ntsweng, Nondyebo Mgudu and Dlamini controlling matters in midfield.
Gabisile Hlumbane and Zamandosi Cele played in the defensive fullback positions with the ever consistent central defensive pair of Janine van Wyk and Amanda Sister, dominant in front of their goalkeeper Thoko Mndaweni.
The Sasol-sponsored senior women’s national team had enough opportunities to score more goals to clinch the victory much early in the game, with head coach Joseph Mkhonza happy with the attacking elements of Banyana Banyana’s performance.
“We spent a lot of time focusing on our attacking play during the three week camp held in Stellenbosch in January and it’s paying off, judging by the short passes into space produced by our players in the final third of the field,” said Mkhonza.
“This three-match South American tour is the perfect build up to playing at the 12-nation Cyprus Women’s Cup from 28 February to 6 March and we need to commend everyone for creating these opportunities for our country’s top female footballers ahead of our participation at the 2012 London Olympics.”
Banyana Banyana will continue training at Brazil’s national football training centre, Granja Comary, 100km outside Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday (15 February), Thursday (16 February) and Friday (17 February), before facing a Navy Select team on Saturday (18 February) in their second fixture of the tour.
safa.net
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