South Africa Under 17 (Bantwana) coach Victoria Mbatha has declared war on the COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championship holders Zambia.
Mbatha said this in a post-match interview on Saturday morning at the championship underway in Lilongwe, Malawi.
She said this after Bantwana beat Namibia 12-0 at the Bingu National Stadium.
Mbatha said they anticipate the possibility of meeting Zambia along the way to their title pursuit.
FARPost had asked her whether she was scared at the prospect of eventually meeting stronger opposition such as Zambia.
The comprehensive win means that Bantwana are likely to meet holders Zambia in the decisive phase of the competition.
SOUTH AFRICA UNDER 17 COACH ANTICIPATES TOUGH MEETING
Mbatha said dealing with Zambia has been part of her game plan as she anticipates a strong reaction from them.
“We prepared very well for them. I cannot wait to play Zambia. I cannot wait to play them,” she told the press on Saturday.
The Group A win on Saturday saw South Africa progressing to the semifinal of the tournament, which is taking place as part of the Region 5 Games.
Bantwana opened the scoring through Gositang Motshegwe’s second-minute strike.
Sinazo Ntshota made it 2-0 two minutes later before Ntando Phahla struck in the 13th minute.
Olwethu Sosibo scored in the 31st and 64th minutes, Nobuhle Mdelwa in the 32nd and 48th minutes.
The other goals came from Adriella Mibe (43rd and 46th minutes), Julia Goncalves (71st minutes), Tatiana Correia (81st minute) and Naledi Nkosi (89th minute).
BANTWANA SCORING FOR FUN
It meant Bantwana have now netted 16 goals in two games after having opened the tournament with a 4-1 whitewash of Malawi during the week.
In an earlier match played at the same venue, the Botswana Under 17 girls’ team vented its anger on debutant Comoros.
The girls from Botswana had started the tournament with a 5-0 loss to holders Zambia at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Thursday.
Lotang Ebineng scored a hat-trick, with the other goals coming from Kalto Distile, Mbapeua Hangara, Palesa Mokopakgosi, Katlo Ditsile and Lebogang Dielo.
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