Amajimbos’ Final Squad Submitted to FIFA Ahead of Departure to Qatar
This week, it has been confirmed that Amajimbos' squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup was officially submitted to FIFA on Monday, with the team scheduled to leave for Qatar this weekend.
Notably, previous reports indicated that preparations for the national U-17 side were encountering challenges, primarily due to head coach Vela Khumalo's delays in submitting a preliminary squad list.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Khumalo, who also coaches Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Diski Challenge, has faced difficulties with inadequate technical support and a lack of football officials which hindered effective planning for the tournament.
Additionally, the South African Football Association (SAFA) struggled to secure friendly matches ahead of the competition, set to commence in early November in Qatar, while other participating nations have already begun their warm-up games and are arriving in the host country.
SAFA’s difficulties are compounded by the absence of a technical director following Walter Steenbok's departure earlier this year, creating a significant gap in support for Khumalo's preparations.
Though the position was recently filled by Molefi Ntseki, concerns linger regarding his experience in a technical director role, especially as it is too late for him to access FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) funding, which requires a detailed proposal from SAFA.
A SAFA insider addressed criticism regarding the team's preparations, asserting that logistical challenges were connected to the school calendar and expressing frustration over public misunderstandings.
“Do you think SAFA should go to parents and say, ‘No, your child shouldn’t write exams because they have to go to camp?’”
The insider emphasized that the submission of the squad to FIFA was completed before any media announcement, reiterating the importance of following procedural timelines.
Amajimbos will compete in Group A, facing hosts Qatar, Italy, and Bolivia. This year marks South Africa’s second appearance in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, following their debut in 2015 under now-technical director Molefi Ntseki.
The team secured their place in this tournament by reaching the quarterfinals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were narrowly defeated by Morocco.
In a statement regarding the team's preparations a few weeks ago, Khumalo referenced their participation in the Zone 5 tournament as a critical preparation phase.
“Remember, the only preparation we’ve had was when we took the same team to the Zone 5 tournament, where we competed against U-20 sides,” said Khumalo.
Furthermore, a source maintained that the Zone 5 tournament sufficiently prepared the team, noting their victory in Namibia and the lack of journalistic attendance upon their return.
“But the bottom line is, Amajimbos are leaving this weekend,” the insider affirmed.
South Africa's campaign in Group A begins against Bolivia on November 3 at 13:30, followed by a match with Qatar on November 6 at 16:45, concluding group stage play against Italy on November 9 at 16:45.
Nigeria remains the most successful nation in FIFA U-17 World Cup history, having won the tournament five times, with striker Victor Osimhen holding the record for most goals ever scored in the competition.
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