A mountain to climb - Bantwana shotstopper Kaydee Windvogel

Bantwana during a training session ahead of the first match of the tournament. Photo: @SAFA_net on twitter

Bantwana during a training session ahead of the first match of the tournament. Photo: @SAFA_net on twitter

Published Nov 19, 2018

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MONTEVIDEO – SA goalkeeper Kaydee Windvogel believes Bantwana still have a chance to progress, but admitted it would be a mountain to climb when they take on Brazil with aim of salvaging their fading Fifa Under-17 World Cup dream on Tuesday.

The match will be played at Estadio Charrua in Montevideo (start at 7pm SA time).

Simphiwe Dludlu’s charges are currently bottom of the Group standings after the 6-0 loss to Japan in the second match, and they take on a wounded Brazil team that lost to Mexico in their second match.

Both teams have a point apiece and whoever wins the Tuesday night encounter will also have one eye on the Japan versus Mexico result in the other final group match.

“I do think we stand a chance against the Brazil team, it’s not the first time we are facing them. The first time we played them we drew but we can’t bank on the past as this is a different ball game altogether now,” said Windvogel.

“I am very confident that we will give Brazil a good game. We have to score goals, play our hearts out and play for each other. Most importantly we need to give support upfront and get the ball into the back of the net which I think is our only major problem,” added Windvogel.

Kaydee Windvogel in action during a Bantwana training session. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

There is good and bad news in camp with centre-back Lonathemba Mhlongo, keeper Kaydee Windvogel and Fikile Magama all in a race against time to recover in time for the match.

Magama, who was hospitalised after the Mexico match following a head knock, rejoined the team at training and looked sharp during the session, she is likely to pass a fitness test and be in line for a start. 

Mhlongo watched the Sunday training session on the sidelines with an ankle injury and fitness coach, Minky Tshabalala worked tirelessly to get her fit for the Tuesday encounter.

Goalkeeper Windvogel was given time off to rest at the training session as she is carrying a slight wrist knock and goalkeeper coach, Monde Hlatshwayo feared training could aggravate it but she is expected to be fully fit and available.

African News Agency (ANA)

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