The South African Football Association (SAFA) has made the decision to withdraw the SA U17 Women’s National Team, Bantwana, from the upcoming U17 COSAFA Women’s Championship in Namibia from 10-17 May 2025. This move comes as SAFA aims to prioritize the education of the young players in the team.
SAFA recognizes the importance of striking a balance between education and football, especially for players as young as 15 years old. The U17 Women’s National Team has had a busy start to the year, with participation in various events leading to significant time away from school.
The year began with the FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers against Gabon in January, followed by a training camp in February to prepare for matches against Nigeria. Additionally, some players were called up to the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana in February, further impacting their school attendance.
With the upcoming CAF African Schools Football Championship scheduled to take place in Ghana in April, more school days will be missed by the players. In light of these circumstances, SAFA has opted not to enter the team in the COSAFA U17 Championship in May. This decision allows the players the opportunity to focus on catching up with their studies before the mid-year break, emphasizing the importance of academic success alongside their football pursuits.
By prioritizing education and ensuring that the players have the necessary time to focus on their schooling, SAFA is demonstrating its commitment to the holistic development of the young athletes in the U17 Women’s National Team. This decision reflects the Association’s dedication to supporting the players both on and off the field, recognizing that their success in school is just as vital as their achievements in football.
