All You Need To About Amajimbos Ahead Of World Cup Opener

Emile Witbooi is the vice-captain of the national under-17 team. Photo: Gallo Images

As the national team prepares to take on Bolivia in their opening match at the U17 FIFA World Cup, here’s what you need to know about the Amajimbos team that is carrying the hopes of South Africa in Qatar.

After the national under-20 side reached the last 16 of the U20 World Cup in Chile not so long ago, Amajimbos have set their sights of also making an impact on the world stage and they will get their first chance to do so when they take on Bolivia in their opening match this afternoon.

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HOW THEY QUALIFIED

To qualify for the World Cup, Amajimbos reached the quarterfinals of their Africa Cup of Nations tournament earlier this year. Amajimbos finished second in Group B at AFCON on four points, ending the round robin campaign ahead of Egypt who were in third. They beat Egypt 4-3 and drew 0-0 with Cameroon in their AFCON group campaign.

GROUP & FIXTURES

Amajimbos are in Group A at the World Cup, with hosts Qatar, Italy and Bolivia. Their first opponents are Bolivia this afternoon, and it’s a good opportunity to start with a positive result as the round robin phase will get harder as they progress. The second match of the competition will be against hosts Qatar on Thursday, before they take on Italy in the final match on Sunday.

COACH

Vela Khumalo 

Khumalo brings in a wealth of experience at junior level and will now be tested on the big stage at the World Cup. A big advantage for Khumalo is that he has worked with his players for some time. So, even though he did not have a whole lot of time to work with the players in terms of preparing for the big event, he knows how to get the best out of the players and they know what he expects from them.

CAPTAIN

Kamohelo Mareletse

The central midfielder has been given the responsibility of leading the team, as one of the more experienced players in the league. Mareletse has featured more than 20 times for Amajimbos, and he is expected to play a key role in the defence and attack for the team. He is seen as one of the top midfielders for his club, Mamelodi Sundowns in future.

KEY PLAYERS

Emile Witbooi

The Cape Town City teenager has been appointed vice-captain going into the World Cup. Leading up to the World Cup, Witbooi has been getting opportunities to play more at club level, featuring for the Citizens in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. He’s previously attracted attention from Europe with clubs like Chelsea giving him an opportunity to train, so the World Cup will be the perfect platform for him to rise to the occasion and be the driving force that leads the team to the knockout phase.

Lwandiso Radebe

The goalkeeper made the move to Mamelodi Sundowns after growing up in the SuperSport United academy. He is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the country and his leadership at the back will be key for Amajimbos. His height gives him an advantage of commanding his area whenever Amajimbos defend set pieces. He’s featured 24 times for Amajimbos, so he has experience at that level.

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Liam Marthinus 

The left-sided centre back is calm in possession of the ball, and they will be relying on him to build up from the back. The Mamelodi Sundowns defender has had opportunities to train with the first team at Chloorkop, and this will give him confidence going into the World Cup. 

Neo Bohloko

The Kaizer Chiefs striker has been a hit in the DStv Diski Challenge for Amakhosi. Amajimbos will need him to be in good goalscoring form to inspire them beyond the group stages. He has scored 15 goals for Amajimbos.

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