The South African u17 Men’s National Team, Amajimbos, departed for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Saturday morning ahead of their fourth international match as they continue their preparations for the 2024 Cosafa Championships, to be played in December.
Amajimbos will compete in a Fifa Six Nations Talent Development Scheme (TDS) tournament in the West African country. The scheme is the brainchild of football’s world governing body, which introduced it as a way to expose junior players to international football at a young age to help fast-track their development.
South Africa will play three international friendlies during their week-long stay in Cote D’Ivoire. Their opening match of the tournament, against Algeria, takes place on 3 September. Two days later, on 5 September, they go up against Zambia. Their last outing is on 7 September, when they tackle Morocco.
Head Coach Vela Khumalo said Amjimbos’ aim is to qualify for the 2025 Fifa U17 Men’s World Cup, and they’re taking every opportunity provided to them to prepare as best they can.
Amajimbos last played two weeks ago in South Africa when they faced Lesotho in two practice matches. They beat their neighbours 4-0 and 3-1 respectively.
Prior to that, the u17 national team played two international friendlies earlier this year in Colombia.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Lwandiso Radebe (SuperSport United), Luke Holden (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lehlohonolo Mosia (University of Pretoria)
Defenders
Sive Pama (Cape Town City), Bokamoso Mokokosi (Kaizer Chiefs), Hayden Booysen (Ubuntu Football Academy), Ziyanda Mchunu (Kaizer Chiefs), Khayalethu Mzimela (British Football Academy)
Midfielders
Anovuyo Mgoqi (Cape Town City), Kamohelo Maraletse (Mamelodi Sundowns), Teboho Mlangeni (Augusto Palacios Academy), Selwyn Stevens (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebgang Dlamini (Kaizer Chiefs)
Attackers
Emile Witbooi (Cape Town City), Sivuziwe Lonzi (Ubuntu Football Academy), Neo Bohloko (Kaizer Chiefs), Obama Mhlongo (AmaZulu), Omphemetse Sekgoto (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ntando Mazibuko (TS Galaxy), Adriano Adams (Cape Town Spurs)
