BASETSANA's preparations for the World Cup in Germany next September are on track.

BASETSANA's preparations for the World Cup in Germany next September are on track.

The South African women's national team beat Reunion 2-0 away in the first leg of the first round on Saturday.

Basetsana have simplified their task for when the sides meet in the second leg at the Caledonian Stadium on December 19.

Coach Augustine Makalakalane was elated with the lead, praising the girls for not conceding an away goal.

"It was a very good match for us, the girls managed to stick to the tactics and the game plan.

"The most important thing is that we did not concede an away goal and that is very crucial in matches of this magnitude," the coach said.

"We did not know what to expect from Reunion but that did not stop us from imposing our style and winning the match.

"In the beginning we struggled a bit with the pace of the game because of the heat but in the end things went our way."

Kate Nhlapho scored the first goal in the first half while Chantelle Esau netted the second in the second stanza.

Makalakalane warned that "the girls now have to fight against complacency, and ensure they wrap up this round with style.

"While the away-goal rule has made us comfortable, we must double our efforts when Reunion get here and go for broke.

"Those goals can prove invaluable for us at a later stage. One never knows."

He said there was still a lot of work to be done, "especially in finishing and composure inside the box" and "judging by the many scoring opportunities that went to waste on Saturday".