Khumalo Is Confident Amajimbos Can Advance Against Japan

South Africa U17 coach Vela Khumalo has expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the draw, saying he is optimistic that his side will advance to the next round.

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 is the first time the U17 national team has progressed beyond the group stage of the global tournament.

Khumalo’s side finished second in Group A behind table-toppers Italy, who beat 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 said.

“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 added 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 said.

“I think this comes at the right time. We had injuries throughout the tournament, but at the moment, 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 plan for Japan. We have good personnel to face them.”

The winner of this match will meet either Venezuela or Korea DPR in the Round of 16.