Bantwana will find it tougher, says Dludlu

Bantwana’s great start at the Cosafa Under-17 Championships in Mauritius has seen the team score a total of 33 goals in just two games, but coach Simphiwe Dludlu (above) is expecting the games to be tougher as the team progresses in the competition.

It all started with a 28-0 massacre of hapless Seychelles in their first game, before comfortbly beating Botswana 5-1 in their second group stage game on Friday.

Going into the Botswana game, Dludlu admits she didn’t expect her charges to go on a goal-scoring spree like they did in the first game, but was delighted with the way her players applied themselves on the day.

“I think this game went the way we expected it, I didn’t think it was going to be an avalanche of goals like in our first game because we played more structured and organised opponents in Botswana,” said Dludlu.

“But I like how our girls applied themselves in the game. We tried different formations which worked for us because tactically you have to see where the holes are and where you can exploit the spaces.

“We knew that they were going to play long balls and we found ways to minimise that from happening against us.

“We won the ball in the right areas but still made mistakes here and there. I’m happy with how we played, I see our game developing and us becoming better against better opponents.”

Going into their last group stage game against Madagascar today, the Bantwana coach says the two comprehensive victories now give her the opportunity to provide other players with game time as they sit proudly on top of Group A with six points.

Botswana and Madagascar are tied on three points and Seychelles are last in the group, having yet to register any points.