SA U17 Women must beef up for Nigeria clash - Ntombifuthi Khumalo

Bantwana progressed to the second round of qualifiers after walloping Gabon 21-2 on aggregate – having won 12-1 away and 9-1 at home. 

Despite the emphatic showing over the two legs, Khumalo believes beefing up the team is the only way they stand a chance of progression against the West Africans when they meet in March.

"Since 60 per cent of our squad is 15 and 16-year-olds, we need to have players at least 30 per cent of the team being 17-year-olds to manage the strength of the Nigerians," said Khumalo.

"Yes, tactically they are good, like us, but if you can measure when we play pound-for-pound, our players are not ready for that – but we need to reinforce on that."

Khumalo added they will need all the backing they can get to overcome Nigeria and give themselves a fighting chance, including a longer camp with some friendly matches.

"If we can get support to get [reinforcements] because, as a country, I still believe was have more quality players who deserve to be part of the team," she stated.

"Also, we need more preparation for the next leg, with a longer camp and friendly games, that will help us to ensure we are ready for the next round."

The second round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers will be played between 7-16 March on a home and away basis, with the third round is scheduled for April.

Africa has five spots at the World Cup, and only four nations, along with hosts Morocco, will qualify for the tournament scheduled from 17 October - 8 November 2025.

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