Winner Ndlovu on Cloud Nine
Bantwana coach Simphiwe Dludlu says Morocco made it tough for them to play in their backyard, but she is glad her charges gave a good performance to qualify for the World Cup.
The national Under-17 team beat the North African side 1-0 in Sale on Saturday to book a spot in the global tournament, to be hosted in Uruguay from November 13 to December 1, with a 6-1 aggregate scoreline.
“They really made it difficult for us there, but the girls were ready for war. Our preparations prior to departing were very crucial and we knew Morocco would give us a hard time in their own backyard,” said Dludlu.
“We bumped into them (Morocco) when we got there. They were walking around with confidence, but our girls held their own on the pitch.
“They played their hearts out, it showed they wanted to qualify for the tournament.”
“I am just happy and really excited for the team, because they really wanted to win and make the nation proud. I am glad they were able to do it.”
Having got only a solitary goal away from home, Dludlu adds that the scoreline is not a true reflection of the game.
“We created many chances, but none of them were on target. The scoreline does not really show what happened in that game,” she said.
With the World Cup nine months away, the Bantwana coach said she would need to work very hard with her players to ensure they are ready. Friendly matches with top national teams will be vital for the team’s preparations.
“We need to prepare very carefully and we should also realise the girls are still in school. We will give them a programme to work on when they are at home and we will try to hold camps over the weekend and during school holidays to prepare the team.”
In preparing for the competition, South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan said the team would play a friendly against Spain.
Tshepo Ntsoelengoe
Maritzburg United midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu (above) became the first player from the club to receive the Absa Premiership Player-of-the-Month award following his outstanding performances during the month of January.
Ndlovu has been very impressive for coach Fadlu David’s team this season, but his contribution in January, where he played all five games for the club couldn’t go unrecognised, particularly in their 3-0 victory against Free State Stars, with Ndlovu assisting for all three goals.
The defensive midfielder was given the accolade along with Orlando Pirates coach Micho Sredojevic, who got the nod for Coachof-the-Month while Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani Mabunda’s goal during the team’s 4-1 thrashing of Bloemfontein Celtic was voted as the best goal for December by fans.
Speaking at the Premier Soccer league offices after arriving in Gauteng yesterday, the 21-yearold oozed confidence sitting in front of the media and says he is very grateful to have won the award, but was shocked to hear he was the winner.
“It is a great honour for me to have won this award, I was very surprised when they called and told me I had won the award. It is my first time and I didn’t think it would happen so soon. I have to give credit to my team-mates,” said Ndlovu.