U20’s Prepare to Pass Mozambique By

The South African U20 squad at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria, pictured before their opening match against Mozambique. Picture: gsport

Basetsana are hard at work in Maputo, Mozambique this morning, ahead of their second leg World Cup qualifying encounter against the host nation.

Speaking to gsport on Thursday evening after the team finished their day’s practice session, team manager Fran Hilton-Smith said that the team was in high spirits.

“Yes, everyone is feeling good, and they are looking forward to Saturday’s match,” said Hilton-Smith. “All the (senior) national team members (qualified to represent South Africa in the U20 squad) are here, and in a positive mood.”

The two will do battle on Saturday in a 3pm kick off at the De Maio Standard Bank Stadium in Maputo, with South Africa in a comfortable position, following their 4-0 victory in the opening encounter at Pretoria’s Caledonian Stadium, a fortnight ago.

Coach Anna Monate has included striker Maphokoane Serabonyane in the team, a move described by team manager Fran Hilton Smith as an indication of an all attack strategy.

“We have a 4-0 cushion but our plan is to score more goals, we have an injury-free team, and we are determined to succeed, says Hilton Smith.”

SAFA CEO Raymond Hack says the country is expecting Basetsana to repeat the sterling performance they displayed at Caledonian a fortnight ago.

“The team’s preparation in Germany and Holland for these World Cup qualifiers is beginning to yield results,” said Hack, “And we remain optimistic about our chances of making it all the way to the finals in South America.”

The under-20 Women’s World Cup finals will be held in Chile in November 2008.