With many doubting Amajimbos’ chances of making it out of their Under-17 World Cup group due to poor preparations, coach Vela Khumalo has asserted that talent will see them prevail.Amajimbos only played two friendlies, facing Malawi and Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side, in their preparations for the U-17 World Cup, kicking off today in Qatar. SA will face Bolivia this afternoon in Doha (2.30pm SA Time).“The talent is going to take us through to the knockout stages…our boys are talented. Other than other things, the talent is going to help us go through,” Khumalo said.“We hope that we are going to make the country proud. It was important that we take this team to the World Cup…to expose these young players to the world because their future looks good.”Khumalo downplayed the lack of preparation by saying that they grew up with each other. Amajimbos’ coach will also rely on their preparations for the Cosafa Cup they won in Zimbabwe and the Afcon where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the host Morocco in April.“These boys grew up together. We started when most of them were 14 years old, so the preparations weren’t that difficult…it was more of a recap of what we have been doing. With what we have, we think we will grow in the tournament. We’re in good space,” Khumalo stated.Amajimbos’ U-17 WC Group A fixtures (all at Aspire Dome in Doha in SA time).Today: v Bolivia, (2.30pm).Thursday: v Qatar, (5.45pm).Sunday: v Italy, (5.45pm).Sowetan
2025-11-03 11:38:25
SA U17s ready to fight as World Cup starts
