22 March 2025 – South Africa’s U20 men’s national team delivered an impressive display on Saturday afternoon, securing a dominant 6-0 win over a determined Botswana side in the first of their two-match international friendlies at UJ Soweto Campus.
The home side took control very early in the match, netting three goals in the first half before adding another three in the second. Jody Ah Shene scored a brace while Shakeel April added a third before the break. Notably, the three goalscorers in the second half were different from those in the first – a clear reflection of the depth and attacking variety within the squad. Mfundo Vilakazi also scored a brace with Langelihle Phili completing the rout.
The fixture is part of South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Ivory Coast from 26 April to 18 May 2025. South Africa has been drawn in a challenging group alongside Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco, making every opportunity to refine tactics and build chemistry all the more important.
Botswana showed resilience throughout the encounter, growing in the game in the second half and gaining valuable experience against one of the continent’s stronger sides.
“We were slow in the first half compared to the second period in building up an attack, and when playing against a strong side like South Africa, we can’t afford to make these mistakes,” said Botswana coach Kabelo Secholho.
South Africa coach Raymond Mdaka was satisfied with the result but highlighted that there are areas for improvement ahead of the AFCON. “The team did well but in certain parts I’d say we played to our opponents’ level, which we need to be wary of going into the AFCON,” he said.
The two sides will meet again in the second match on Tuesday, 25 March 2025 at 10h00 at the same venue. With the continental tournament fast approaching, South Africa will be eager to maintain momentum, while Botswana will look to respond positively in the return fixture.
