Amajimbos Squad Submitted To FIFA, Departure Set For This Weekend

Sportswire has learned that Amajimbos’ final squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup was submitted to FIFA on Monday, with the team set to depart for Qatar this coming weekend.

This comes after Sportswire reported a few weeks ago that preparations for the national U-17 side were in disarray, as head coach Vela Khumalo had yet to submit a preliminary squad list for selection.

To make matters worse, Khumalo — who also coaches Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Diski Challenge — has reportedly been operating without adequate technical support or football officials to help plan effectively for the tournament.

SAFA also struggled to arrange any friendly matches in the build-up to the competition, which kicks off in early November in Qatar. Meanwhile, several other participating nations have already played warm-up games and begun arriving in the host nation.

The situation has been further complicated by SAFA’s lack of a technical director following Walter Steenbok’s departure earlier this year — a gap that has severely hampered Khumalo’s preparation efforts.

Although the position was recently filled by Molefi Ntseki, concerns remain about his lack of experience as a technical director. Crucially, it was too late for Ntseki to access FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) funding. To receive such funding, SAFA must submit a detailed proposal outlining its budgets, programmes, and objectives.

In response to the criticism, a SAFA insider expressed frustration, insisting that the team’s preparation had been misunderstood and that logistical challenges were linked to the school calendar.

“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 source asked rhetorically.

“Where is the ‘mess’ people are talking about? We have already submitted the team to FIFA before announcing it to the media. SAFA has to follow proper timelines and obligations. The team was submitted on Monday.”

Amajimbos have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Italy, and Bolivia. This marks South Africa’s second appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, following their debut in 2015 under then-coach and now technical director, Molefi Ntseki.

They booked their spot at this year’s tournament by reaching the quarterfinals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were eliminated by Morocco.

When approached for comment a few weeks ago after Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United at Princess Magogo Stadium, Khumalo gave a brief update on his team’s preparations.

“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.
“We took our U-17s, and we won that trophy. That was our only preparation so far. We’re still waiting for final dates and confirmation for camp.”

However, an insider maintains that the Zone 5 tournament provided sufficient preparation.

“Two weeks ago, they were in Namibia for the Zone 5 tournament, playing against U-20 sides,” the source added.
“They came back with the trophy from Zimbabwe, and no journalist was even at OR Tambo to welcome them.

“But the bottom line is, Amajimbos are leaving this weekend.”

South Africa, drawn in Group A, will open their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign against Bolivia on 3 November at 13:30. They will then face hosts Qatar on 6 November at 16:45, before concluding the group stage against Italy on 9 November, also at 16:45.

Nigeria remain the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, having lifted the trophy five times. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen holds the record as the competition’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 10 goals.