Dludlu wants more matches

Bantwana coach Simphiwe Dludlu is looking for as much competitive practice as possible to get her charges ready for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Uruguay later this year.

The national team took their World Cup preparations to Spain, playing against UD Levante’s Under-17 women’s team and the Valencia UD CF Under-20 women’s team, winning 4-2 and drawing 1-1 respectively.

“The plan is to play as many friendlies as possible before we jet off to Uruguay,” said Dludlu.

“We really want to do well in that tournament and the only way for that to happen is for our girls to face competitive sides. We are hoping to play at least five friendlies against other national teams, before the main event. This, I believe, will play a key role in us readying the squad.”

The team’s display in Spain impressed Dludlu.

“I am very proud of the girls,” she added. “I would also ike to thank Safa and La Liga for making this Spain tour possible. It gave us an opportunity to look at new combinations with the players we brought into the squad. We also had a chance to learn to deal with the pressure of having to rest while preparing for the next game in a short space of time.”

At the World Cup, Bantwana will meet Brazil, Japan and Mexico in Group B.

The tournament runs from November 14 to December 1.