Dludlu: We’ve learnt lessons

Bantwana’s 2018 Under-17 Fifa World Cup campaign in Uruguay might have been disappointing, but head coach Simphiwe Dludlu doesn’t see it as a failure,

She prefers to view the experience as a lesson learned.

The national Under-17 women’s team World Cup campaign ended with a 4-1 loss to Brazil, which came after a heavy 6-0 defeat to Japan, all this after Bantwana looked promising in the opening game where they held Mexico to a goalless draw in their opener.

Overall, Bantwana finished the competition bottom in Group B having only accumulated one point, being knocked out of the tournament alongside Brazil, who finished in third place with four points, while Japan and Mexico went through to the next stage of the competition.

“One thing that was on top of my list was the experience of being in the World Cup, having to play other great teams and coaches that are more experienced. That was great for me ... we wanted to show our style of play and the amount of talent we have with the young team we brought to the World Cup,” Dludlu explained.

“Showing bravery, we ticked that box. We might have been beaten by superior tactics and all of that, but one thing I’m proud of is that the girls grew with every game.

“Every game is about keeping our heads up, is not about how many times we lost ... it is always about how much we learned,” she added.

The squad arrived home this morning.