7 September 2024 – The South African U17 Men’s National Team lost 0-1 to Morocco in the last match of the FIFA U17 Talent Development Scheme (TDS) tournament out in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday.
A 72nd minute error by the South Africans gave Morocco the victory to deny Amajimbos three consecutive wins in the U17 tournament.
Head Coach Vela Khumalo started the match with a completely new squad as all the players had to get a run in this tournament. They made one very effective substitution in the second half that turned the match around, although it did not give the team the desired result.
Anovuyo Mgoqi, Sivuwe Lonzi, Diego Da Silva, Obama Mhlongo and Lebogang Dhlamini were substituted for Emile Witbooi, Neo Bohloko, Kamohelo Maraletse, Selywyn Stevens and Teboho Mlangeni.
“You win two matches and you think you have arrived,” said Khumalo.
“It is always tough working with young kids because you have to constantly remind them to stay levelheaded.
“The five players we brought in made a huge difference to the game, but I did not like the attitude of the squad today. They just didn’t come to the party at all.
“We will hopefully have one more friendly in the next coming months before we turn our attention to the COSAFA U17 Championships in December 2024.
“We are going into that tournament with the aim of qualifying for the CAF U17 Cup of Nations. That is the plan and we will do our utmost best to achieve this goal.”
Amajimbos have now wrapped up their participation in the 6 Nations Tournament and will be heading back to South African tomorrow Sunday, 8 September 2024.
