Amajita’s 10th Cosafa title is a game changer for youth football
The momentum of South African development football remains on an upward trajectory after the country successfully defended the u20 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) title on Sunday, with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Malawi in the final.
This year’s u20 Cosafa tournament formed part of the Region 5 Youth Games, which were staged in Windhoek, Namibia, from 4 July to 13 July.
In a progressive and brave move, South Africa fielded the u17 national team, known as Amajimbos, under the coaching of Vela Khumalo, to replace the original u20 national side, coached by Raymond Mdaka, which could have run out for the Rainbow Nation.
South Africa has previously won the title nine times, including last year when they beat their longstanding rivals in the Southern region, Zambia 2-0 in the final.
Earlier this year, that Amajita squad went on to claim their first-ever u20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title, defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final, thanks to a remarkable long-range goal from midfielder, Gomolemo Kekana.
Securing the Afcon title also qualified South Africa for the forthcoming u20 FIFA World Cup, which will be played in Chile, in September.
Khumalo, who was at the helm of South Africa for the u20 Cosafa tournament, informed the media team of Team South Africa that a decision to deploy a youthful squad for an u20 tournament was a calculated strategy. He said it would serve to prepare the players for the u17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which takes place in November.
In Sunday’s final, Cape Town City’s Emile Witbooi, a member of the SuperSport Schools Class of 2024, proved to be a difference-maker.
He delivered three assists and was awarded the title of man of the match for an exceptional performance.
Njabulo Mzimela opened the scoring, with Simphiwe Mlondo and Omphemetse Sekgoto slotting the second and third goals. Malawi was unable to conjure up a response and South Africa claimed their 10th u20 Cosafa Championship title after an exceptional tournament run.
In the aftermath of their victory, South Africa also received the Fair Play Award for exemplifying true sportsmanship, discipline, and respect throughout the tournament.
Additionally, South Africa’s goalkeeper, Solethu Radebe, was honoured with the Golden Glove for his sure-handed performances in goal.
Malawi’s Mwisho Mhango was named the Player of the Tournament.
Zambia crowned u20 Cosafa Women’s Camps, again.
While the u20 South African men’s team celebrated another title, the women’s team, led by captain Katlego Malebana and coached by the experienced Ntombifuthi Khumalo, was unable to overcome Zambia, suffering a 0-2 defeat in the final.
Previously, in a group stage match on 5 July, the Zambians proved their superiority with a 3-0 win over South Africa.
In recent years, the u20 Cosafa women’s title has belonged to Zambia. The country continues to establish itself as a dominant force and one of the fastest rising nations in women’s football on the African continent.
They also won the u20 Cosafa women’s title in 2024, with South Africa finishing as the runners-up.
Saliya Mwanza, from Zambia, a popular figure whose star continues to rise, showcased exceptional skill, vision, and big game impact to earn the Player of Tournament award.
Her teammate Margaret Phiri received the Golden Glove for her commanding performances in the last line of defence, while Ruth Mukoma and Bwayla Chilese, both from Zambia, shared the Golden Boot Award.
Namibia received the women’s Fair Play Award for the women’s competition.
Results
u20 Cosafa Men’s Tournament
Bronze Playoff
Zambia (5) 1-1 (4) Angola
Final
South Africa 3-0 Malawi
u20 Cosafa Women’s Tournament
Bronze Playoff
Botswana 1-0 Namibia
Final
Zambia 2-0 South Africa
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