Bantwana Under-17 Women’s national team camp for World Cup qualifier against Zambia

The fourth edition of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup will be staged between 15 March and 5 April 2014.

Bantwana head coach Sheryl Botes has called up 22 players in an effort to bolster the squad ahead of the penultimate World Cup qualifier. She said this week’s preparations will be key as she looks to strengthen the squad that took on Zambia in the first leg.

“We have brought in a few more goalkeepers as our goalkeeping department needs some attention,” Botes says.

“We have also brought in four more players to strengthen the midfield. Given the time frame, we had to act quickly as we all know this is a do-or-die clash against the Zambians.

“I must admit there’s still so much to be done within a short space of time. We are 90 minutes away from realising our dream of reaching the World Cup so our preparations this week will be taken seriously.”

High Performance Centre midfielder Gabriella Salgado’s first half brace and Anelisa Ndyebi’s goal helped the South Africans to a 3-3 draw in the first leg.

The Bantwana mentor said they will not settle for a draw as they need a convincing win on Sunday.

“As far as I’m concerned, we are going into this match on an equal footing. We need to be careful not to concede but have enough numbers attacking up front and play from the first whistle.

“I understand the girls were nervous in the first leg but now that we are playing on home turf, I am hoping this will serve as a confidence booster.”

Bantwana will train at the Edenvale Football grounds from Monday afternoon.

10 countries have secured passage to Costa Rica, with Nigeria being the first of three countries from the CAF region to book their spot for the World Cup next year.

Two spots are up for grabs on the continent and the South Africans will be looking to make their second appearance on the world stage.

Bantwana squad in camp