Spar Baby Proteas dedicate their win over Kenya to assistant coach Phumza Maweni

Maweni departed from the camp to return home to the village of Cala in the Western Cape.

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Despite this sombre mood, the Baby Proteas secured their fifth consecutive win in the regional Africa Under-21 World Cup qualifier, held at the University of Pretoria.

This match, pitting the first and second-placed teams against each other, saw the home side emerge triumphant.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Baby Proteas coach Precious Mthembu expressed that the team’s victory was dedicated to Maweni.

''Condolences to her family, losing a mother is not an easy thing. The girls did mention that they will play for her and apply everything that she has taught them,'' said Mthembu.

Mthembu faces the remainder of the tournament without her second-in-command, acknowledging the significant absence of Maweni on the touchline.

Maweni’s presence will be sorely missed with two games of the competition remaining.

''I need to step up as a coach and make sure that I cover everything else, her role in the team will be missed but I will keep in contact with her,'' added Mthembu.

Mthembu contends that Malawi challenged her team to their limits in a match she had earmarked as their toughest test of the tournament.

''They didn't step back, if they had enough time - I think the score would be more,'' she concluded.

It’s anticipated that South Africa and Malawi will clash in the final this Saturday, having secured the top two positions on the leaderboard.

Mthembu is gearing up to confront their formidable physical prowess.