Amajimbos Aim To Compete, Not Just Participate, At FIFA U17 World Cup
Amajimbos have declared that they are heading to the FIFA U17 World Cup not just to make up the numbers, but to make a meaningful impact and be highly competitive — even with limited preparation time before the tournament.
Coach Vela Khumalo and his squad departed from South Africa on Thursday afternoon, en route to Qatar, where they will face some of the best U17 national teams in the world. The global showpiece will take place from 3 to 27 November 2025.
Khumalo’s future with the team had been uncertain after Sportswire was informed that he was initially reluctant to travel with Amajimbos due to Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge side — which he also oversees — being scheduled for a tour in the United Kingdom in November, coinciding with the World Cup.
Another challenge for the coach was the timing of the tournament, which overlaps with South Africa’s school examination period, making squad selection particularly difficult. However, it now appears that all issues have been resolved and the team is ready for the global stage.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) hosted a farewell breakfast for the team on Thursday and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, CEO Lydia Monyepao, NEC Member Job Mchunu, the Association’s staff members and members of the media were on hand to wish Amajimbos well ahead of their adventure in Qatar.
Captain Kamohelo Mareletse and his teammates said they are going to the tournament to compete, starting in their opening match against Bolivia on Monday.
They said they were inspired by the exploits of the Morocco team that stunned Argentina 2-0 at the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium in Santiago, Chile, to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup a week ago.
The Gauteng Premier presented the team with the South African flag and said the players will be carrying the aspirations of millions of fellow citizens.
“On behalf of the South African government, we are wishing you well, so go there and make us proud. I have no doubt that you will make us proud,” the Gauteng Premier said.
“You have a big responsibility but also a very big opportunity. We want you to go and enjoy yourselves, focus, be disciplined and seek glory for the country, for yourselves, for the teams you come from and for SAFA as a national Association,” the SAFA President said.
“The whole team thanks you for the support and we hope and pray that we will represent the country very well in Qatar,” said Khumalo.
