Junior Mares face physical battle in Tanzania
The Under-17 girls’ football team, the Junior Mares’ coach, Oaitse Moeti says he expects a physical contest against Tanzania over the weekend. The two teams meet on Sunday afternoon in the first leg of the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup first-round qualifier. The tie will be played at the Amaan Stadium in Tanzania’s coastal town, Zanzibar, with the kick-off scheduled for 4pm. The Junior Mares departed for Tanzania yesterday after just less than a month in camp.
Moeti says he is aware that his weekend’s opponents have a superior physical structure as compared to the local girls and predicts a very physical contest for the Junior Mares. He is, however, pleased that the local league and competitions are in full swing and a good number of his squad members have been heavily involved while he has a clean bill of health. “Tanzania is a physical side and we have watched their videos and spoke to the players on how to approach a physical side. Mentally we are prepared for the game. Eighty percent of the selected players are also active at the club level. Preparations are going well given the structure that we are in. We never have enough time because we are dealing with students. We currently don’t have any injuries or any COVID-19 cases,” Moeti said.
The Under-17s will hope to draw inspiration from the senior side, the Mares who last week, qualified for the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the first time in history. A positive result away from home will be crucial for Moeti and the team ahead of the second leg that is to be played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in a fortnight. The Junior Mares will have to play three rounds of qualifiers over two legs, in home and away scenarios to secure a seat at the world spectacle as some nations did not enter the competition. The team will be looking to be part of the three-team contingent representing Africa at the World Cup to be played in India from October 11-30.
The traveling squad
Goalkeepers: Babonyana Dube (unattached), Karabo Luka (Flying Girls), Tekanyo Rangasi (Mogoditshane SSS)
Defenders: Thando Boitshepo (Masunga SSS), Amantle Ronny (Flying Girls), Thato Chigutsi (unattached), Boemo Sebako (Ambassadors), Warona Segobye (Eastern Pirates), Tumelo Tiro (Mexican Girls), Maduo Radijeng (Double Action)
Midfielders: Katlo Ditsile (Collabo Stars), Neo Bulala (Big Sisters), Serati Modisenyane (Mexican Girls), Kefilwe Hanagra, Lotang Ebineng (both Radisele), Mildred Mashabe (Flying Girls)
Attackers: Jessicah Modise, Dimpho Sedirwa (both Mexican Girls), Candy Jautswe (Royal Fighters), Katlego Lebekwe (Umlilo)