South Africa U17 coach Vela Khumalo is optimistic about advancing past Japan
Amajimbos will face Japan in the Round of 32 at the 2025 U17 FIFA World Cup, with the match set for Saturday at 15:30 at Aspire Zone – Pitch 3. This marks the first time that the U17 national team has advanced beyond the group stage of the global tournament.
Khumalo’s side secured second place in Group A, following Italy, who defeated South Africa 3-1 in their final group match.
“We are very happy with the draw. It could have gone either way, but we have an assignment now,” Khumalo stated.
“We are not going to sleep; we’ll have to get back to work. What I know about Japan is that they finished with seven points—they won two games and drew one in Group B.”
“They have one influential player, their number 10, Minato Yoshida. They look decent, but we are going to do our homework and prepare properly. I’m optimistic; I think we will get through.”
Khumalo emphasized that all players are fit and ready to compete.
“We have a clean bill of health now—injury-free—and that is a big plus for us,” he mentioned.
“I think this comes at the right time. We had injuries throughout the tournament, but currently, all players are available, and the suspended player is back as well. We have healthy competition in the squad, and we will decide who will play as we prepare for Japan. We have good personnel to face them.”
The winner of this match will face either Venezuela or Korea DPR in the Round of 16.
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