14 November 2018 – South African U17 Women’s national team head coach Simphiwe Dludlu hailed her side’s gallant performance as they held a menacing Mexico to a goalless draw in Group B FIFA U17 World Cup opener at the Estadio Domingo Burgueño Miguel in Uruguay.

South Africa survived many scares as Mexico were either erratic in their shots or Bantwana defenders and goalkeeper Kay-Dee Windvogel put their bodies in the firing line.

“I am pleased  for my girls, watching them play was incredible. As the game continued they started to play better and defend better as a team,” said Dludlu.

Chelsea Daniels and Serenity Warner were handed their first caps in the game but they put in a good shift despite the nerve.

“We had two debutants in the team, first time ever in national colours at such a big stage. Am happy with the performance and now we have to prepare for the next game,” said the Bantwana coach.

After heavy rains through the night and early in the morning, the ever changing weather in Maldonado struck again with heavy mist covering the pitch which affected visibility.

“In the last 20 or 30 minutes it was difficult to see the ball with the that heavy mist but nonetheless both teams did well without visible lighting,” said Dludlu.

Bantwana will face Japan who also played to a goalless draw against Brazil in the earlier game. The match will be played on 16 November at 19h00pm CAT (SA Time)