Basetsana not scared of Zambia – coach

ELIZABETH MICHELSEN, the South African National Under-20 (Basetsana) coach, says she will be expecting a physical approach from Zambia when the teams clash in the second leg of their Under-20 Fifa World Cup qualifier at the Makhulong Stadium on Saturday.

Michelsen’s Basetsana were able to hold the Zambians to a goalless draw in a physical first leg at the Nkoana Stadium in Lusaka a fortnight ago.

“And I expect a similar game as was the case in Zambia, something very physical,” said Michelsen.

“The girls now know what to expect, and what they need to do for us to win this home leg.

“They really want to prove that they can can play good football and get a good result on Saturday.”

Going into the second leg, the team will be without defenders Bongeka Gamede and Chamelle Willtshere, after the pair sustained injuries in the Zambia game.

However, the coach insists that losing the two players won’t destabilise the team and one should always be ready for such incidents.

She has since called up defender Jamie-Lee Witbooi (Spurs WFC), Leigh Daniels (Golden Stars), Babalwa Mgxunywa (RV United) and striker Thembi Kgatlana (UWC).

“It is also part of football. Football is a complex sport, sometimes you get players getting injured and you need to replace them.

“Those we have brought into camp have been looking very good in the training sessions.”

Beside the injuries and calling up new players ahead of the second meeting with the Young She-Polopolo, the coach is adamant they are ready for the match.

“So far everything has gone really well.

“We are definitely on track and the team looks sharp and fit.

“We are looking forward to playing this game.”

The winner of the match will play the winner of the tie between DR Congo and Nigeria in the third qualification round to the 2016 World Cup which will be held in Papua New Guinea.