Amanda Dlamini backs SA girls for a successful CAF Schools Championship title defence
25th April 2025
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CAF Schools Championship ambassador Amanda Dlamini believes that South Africa Under-15 girls’ technical ability will set them apart as they look to defend the continental championship.
SA started their title chase with a 1-0 defeat to Uganda, however managed a quick comeback with two wins against Dr Congo and Gambia on Thursday.
In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, Dlamini applauded teams like Cape Town Roses and Mamelodi Sundowns for investing in good development structures to help feed the national team.
“I think what really sets the SA girls apart from the rest of the countries that are participating is their incredible technical ability. It also helps that some of them started in football academies that produced talent for the national team, such as Cape Town Roses and Mamelodi Sundowns. We did start slow but it was great to see the girls bouncing back, yes match day two was tough for them playing back to back games but managed to win. It shows that we have enough quality and depth despite losing key players last year,’’ said Dlamini.
The former Banyana Banyana captain says it’s attestment to the growth of the women’s game in the continent to witness schools competitions of this magnitude.
“One can never stop complimenting CAF for the incredible work that they are doing. These kinds of platforms are good to set you up for the international stage. I commend their holistic approach to the competition - players are only here to compete but they also get to learn more in terms of safeguarding programmes and workshops to help better their careers,’’ added Dlamini.
The 36-year-old football analyst believes it is time for women’s football to be taken seriously from grassroot level just as it is done for boys in South Africa, this to help equal the playing field.
‘’You know the topic about development structures in South Africa is a painful one, because we have seen how beneficial it is when we start from the grassroot level just as it is done when it comes to nurturing young boys in football. For girls it is a little bit complex because it speaks to finances and a much greater responsibility. I do feel that the SAFA president as someone who is involved and has seeing what grassroot football is like in the continent, would have try and encourage to set up strategies that won’t let these kids down,’’
Dlamini shares a special message to coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo and the players, stating she believes that they are capable of writing history for themselves and defend the championship.
“My message to coach Khumalo and the girls, I spoke to them during a workshop the other day - I said to them, yes the pressure is there as people look for South Africa to do well. But at the end of the day it is about representing your teammates, your communities, and it is an opportunity for them to write history. I hope it is not a great pressure for them, because at this stage you just to want to encourage them to enjoy themselves and to have fun in the process,’’ she expressed.
