Bantwana set for a good examination

TOURNAMENT: SA GIRLS FACE BRAZIL, RUSSIA, INDIA, CHINA

This is all part of their preparations for the World Cup.

Bantwana coach Simphiwe Dludlu says playing in the Brics tournament is vital for her players because they are only used to playing against African nations.

Bantwana are preparing to play at the Under-17 Fifa World Cup in Uruguay later this year and now coming up against overseas teams which include Brazil, Russia, India and China in the Brics competition, set to start on Sunday in South Africa, will be a precursor of what to expect on a global stage for her charges.

“It will help us a great deal because these are teams we have never played in the past (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and we know the quality of these teams, which are also in different parts of the world – their development structures are better and also the competition is better,” said Dludlu.

“The Brics tournament will give us an idea of what we will face when we go to Uruguay, that’s very important for us.

“Also it’s good exposure for the girls because we are just used to playing African teams, now we are playing against opponents from different continents. It will put the players under pressure, but it’s all for a good cause. It’s good that we are getting this opportunity now so we can build on that foundation when we go to the World Cup.”

With 24 players selected for the Brics tournament, Dludlu added that players who didn’t make the cut for this camp should not let their heads drop and should continue working hard.

“Those that are not here should not despair because selection is not permanent.

“Everybody needs to put their best foot forward. I am still on the lookout for those players we may have missed previously – this means you could have played in the qualifiers but you might not make it to Uruguay.

“On the other hand, we can’t be looking for too many players, because we have limited time for our preparations.”