South Africa U17 girls skipper targeting COSAFA Cup crown

This tournament, which serves as an introduction for young football onto the international stage, will be played in Johannesburg from 4-13 December 2024, with Bantwana drawn in Group B against Malawi, Namibia and Madagascar. 

Malebane, who captained the SA U15 Girls side to gold in the CAF African Schools Football Championship in Zanzibar earlier this year, believes the COSAFA Cup could change their lives. 

"It's going to be a huge experience for us, it's going to give us motivation and encouragement that our football will grow," said Malebane.

"I feel like we are ready, it's all about us, and mentality-wise we should be positive – I think the girls are positive, we are a family, and this tournament is going to be a challenge for us, but it's also going to change our lives.

"So I've told the girls to go out there, work hard, and it's going to be difficult because we'll be [facing] other countries, but we're still the best.

"What I could say about the tournament is that we're going there to win, and to also test ourselves to see which level we are on as footballers, but also to enjoy and entertain the supporters."

The tournament at UJ Soweto Campus will see Bantwana start the defence of their title on Thursday against Malawi, followed by a clash with Namibia on Saturday, 7 December, and conclude the group stages against Madagascar on Monday, 9 December. 

READ: Banyana on the right track for WAFCON - Desiree Ellis

SA U17 Girls COSAFA Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Sphumelele Zibula, Dakalo Mafumo, Rose Ann Gerber.

Defenders: Katlego Mohale, Akhona Smamene, Alwandle Mbatha, Dineo Makoala, Andiswa Zuma, Sthabile Kamwande, Bonolo Mokomo

Midfielders: Nomfundo Nzuza, Rethabile Molefe, Katleho Malebana, Ambani Raphadana, Okuhle Sithole, Asanda Ziqubu, Neeshat Levy

Forwards: Leonay Kock, Khwezi Khoza, Nobahle Mdelwa