Bantwana coach says U17 COSAFA Cup crucial for upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Khumalo says the regional tournament will help countries fine-tune their strategies ahead of getting on the world stage.

From 2025, the FIFA U17 World Cup will be held annually.

Morocco will welcome participants between August and September with 16 teams taking part. Africa has only five slots, including the hosts. 

"It's very important because the challenge is not the same. I mentioned some of them they have experience for under15 competition. This is under17 where every country is preparing for World Cup qualifier, they bring their best, they understand the stake,” Khumalo said.

“It's not an easy one, I don't wanna lie because when you want to qualify for a World Cup such competitions help you find yourself whether you are ready or you need to change, whatever you have you must make sure you do the right thing. Whatever decision in terms of helping these youngsters to be the best in the world."

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In the COSAFA Cup, the defending champions have been drawn in Group B and will open their account against Malawi at the UJ Soweto Stadium today at 12h30.

Khumalo says this will be a new challenge for her troops who are used to U15 competitions.

Khumalo says it’s interesting that most of their finals have been against Malawi who are part of their group in the year’s tournament.

"Since we started the COSAFA Cup most of the finals we play against Malawi, they develop as a country I don't wanna lie.

The gap between us and them is the talent, our advantage is the talent. For them they are improving every year, I don't wanna lie," she added.

Bantwana next play against Namibia on Saturday and will conclude the group stages when they face Madagascar on Monday.