Daniels put nerves aside

Bantwana striker Chelsea Daniels has admitted to being nervous when they faced Mexico in their opening Group B game at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Uruguay.

Daniels was one of two players making their debuts, but she was able to put her anxiety away and was one of the top performers in the South African side, giving the Mexican defence a hard time with her pace and work ethic up front, even though the teams played to a goalless draw at the Estadio Domingo Burgueño Miguel on Tuesday night.

“I had mixed emotions, I was feeling excited and nervous at the same time. I was nervous from the start, but as I saw Mexico attacking us, that took my nerves away and I just told myself I had to fight for my team,” said the striker.

Going into their second game of the competition against Japan today at the same venue, Daniels has stressed the importance of being solid in defence and says Bantwana are more effective on the attack.

“In our last few training sessions we worked on our defence. We should focus more on our defence ... we are a much better team when we are on the attack.”

Head coach Simphiwe Dludlu will have midfielder Karabo Dlamini back in the team after missing the first game due to injury. The midfielder was one of the most influential players on Bantwana’s road to qualifying for the tournament.