It’s now official. Nimble-footed Bluebirds midfielder Vuyo Xabanisa has made that all important break into the ranks of the U17 national women’s football team which she has been itching to do for some time.
Vuyo (16) has been selected for the U17 women’s national team by coach Simphiwe Dludlu in her squad for their upcoming crucial tie against Morocco in the first leg of the final round of the 2018 Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Vuyo has been named along with teammate, Gugulethu Pitso.
This was confirmed by their coach Katlego Maloka in the U17 division of Bluebirds Ladies, who said the call-up could make the girls the first players from Alexandra to attend and play in a World Cup.
“I got a confirmation call from the coach that she needed the services of the two players in this do or die game against north African giants, Morocco in Polokwane.
“I am over the moon for the selection of our players which show there is something that we’re doing right in women’s football development in Alexandra. I am happy for the players too as they will gain valuable experience both in the qualifiers and in the World Cup tournament if they make the cut for the squad of the finals,” said a delighted Maloka.
Bantwana, as the U17 team is commonly known, will host Morocco in the first leg on the weekend of 2 to 4 February, and then travel to North Africa for the second leg scheduled for the weekend of 16 to18 February. The overall winner will book their place at the tournament in Uruguay from 20 November to 13 December.
The Birds coach wished Vuyo and Gugu all the best in their roles in the U17 national squad, saying their call-up alone spoke volumes about their abilities.
“I say to them good luck girls and go and enjoy yourselves in the qualifiers and but make sure you make a good impression so that you can make the final cut for the cup tournament in Uruguay. Go and fly the Alex football flag high up there,” Maloka said.
Vuyo, The KwaBhekilanga Secondary School girl, was part of the U16 Joburg Regional squad that recently played in the inaugural OR Tambo Centenary Games in Germiston. Her team was beaten 1–0 in the final by Gauteng.
Maloka described the pair as a talented young soccer players whose commitment to the game was far above that of most players. Vuyo for example has never missed a single game for Bluebirds since she joined at nine years old, said Maloka, adding the only time she was not available was when she went to Spain on the LaLiga trip.
“We look at Vuyo and others in her league as diamonds of Alex football, who one day will raise the township’s flag high with their exploits in the beautiful game,” Maloka added.
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