South Africa U-17 Women’s National Team head coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo has named a 23-player squad for the decisive third and final round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Kenya.
Bantwana will host the Junior Starlets in the first leg on Saturday, July 4, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium before travelling to Kenya for the return leg on Sunday, July 12, with a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco at stake.
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Khumalo has largely retained the squad that eliminated Tanzania in the previous round, making just three changes. Akhona Simamane, Sinenhlanhla Dutywa and Leonay Kock have been included in place of Palesa Jacobs, Mpondo Monyamane and Mmasello Ledwaba.
The squad assembled in Johannesburg on Friday, June 26, to begin preparations for the two-legged tie.
The clash against Kenya represents the final hurdle before this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
The winner of the two-legged tie between South Africa and Kenya will secure one of those coveted places at the global tournament.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Dakalo Mafumo (SAFA Girls Academy), Skyla Coutinho (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC) and Samkelisiwe Mthembu (JVW FC)
Defenders: Ntokozo Paradzayi (Hallelujah Zebrah Force FC), Alwande Mbatha (SAFA Girls Academy), Sinenhlanhla Dutywa (SAFA Girls Academy) Farah Thomas (Rygersdal FC), Andiswa Zuma (Dlala Ntombazane FC), Ntombifuthi Khumalo (JVW FC), Thorisho Mphelo (JVW FC), Esam Gqumshe (Ayakha Stars FC) and Whitney Havene (East High Academy Girls)
Midfielders: Akhona Simamane (SAFA Girls Academy) Katleho Malebana (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC), Okuhle Sithole (UWC FC), Rethabile Molefe (SAFA Girls Academy), Dazel Mkhari (SAFA Girls Academy) and Katlego Mohale (Kaizer Chiefs Ladies FC)
Forwards: Othandwayo Zondani (Major Chiefs Sport Club), Aaliyah Jacobs (UWC FC), Khwezi Khoza (DUT), Lisakhanya Situlweni (Cape Town Roses FC), Leonay Kock (SAFA Girls Academy) and Pulane Moloi (SAFA Girls Academy)
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