Soccer
Ntseki regards friendlies as much needed boost─── 16:33 Tue, 15 Jul 2014
Lee Khotlele
Bloemfontein - The South African u.17 national soccer team coach, Molefi Ntseki, said the international friendly matches played by the team were a good way of preparing for what he described as the must win qualifying match against Tanzania on Friday.
Amajimbos travelled to Botswana and Lesotho to play two matches a piece against the national u.17 teams of those countries.
They will now be heading to Tanzania on Tuesday, 15 July 2014, with confidence after winning all four of their matches, beating Botswana 2-0 and 4-0 before overcoming Lesotho 2-0 and 1-0.
The matches were part of the team’s preparations for the 2015 African Young Championship’s qualifying first leg match against Tanzania.
The man at helm, Molefi Ntseki, was happy with the results and the performance of the players, adding that the aim was to let his side play football outside their country.
“We wanted them to taste an international match outside their country,” Ntseki told OFM Sport.
“The first matches in Botswana gave us what we wanted; a feel of an international match, and Lesotho did not disappoint.”
“At this time of the year, Lesotho is freezing, so these were some conditions we wanted the boys to play under and get used to.”
“So, the two countries proved to be good neighbours in terms of helping our team prepare for the Tanzania clash. The good thing about the tour is that we didn’t concede any goal.”
Ntseki was confident that his charges had gained experience from the friendlies. He said preparations are going well and his team know what is expected of them.
“We are happy with our preparations up until now. With the little time we have had, I think the players now know each other and have developed an understanding,” he added.
However, he also highlighted that a lot would be at stake against Tanzania. “It’s a very big assignment for us, but I think the four matches we have played will help the team win.”
South African will take 18 players to Tanzania, having dropped Mxolisi Skei, Charles Baloyi, Benedict Matlawe, Thato Pheleu, Kananelo Motsoeneng and Thato Ramogogodi, who all participated in the friendly matches.
The players were dropped by the rule of Confederation of Africa Football (CAF). According to CAF, only 18 players have to be registered for this qualifier.
SA U-17 squad:
Goalkeepers: Mondli Mpoto and Sanele Tshabalala
Defenders: Simon Nqoi, Samuel Nkomo, Notha Nature, Ngcobo, Keanu Gregory Cupido, Thendo Mukumela, Katlego Mohamme and Tshepiso Mahlangu
Midfielders: Athenkosi Dladla, Sibongakonke, Ntuthuko Mbatha, Nelson Maluleke, Liam Jordan, Felix Noge and Vuyo Junior Mantjie
Strikers: Luvuyo Katlego Mkatshana, Khanyiso Mayo and Edwin Sekhwama
