Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka has lauded the DStv Diski Challenge, crediting it with playing a crucial role in his team’s historic triumph at the U/20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

Mdaka, who received a hero’s welcome upon touching down at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, faced significant challenges in assembling his squad for the tournament.

The competition fell outside the FIFA window, meaning he was unable to call upon star attacker Shandre Campbell from Belgian side Club Brugge, and Orlando Pirates could not release defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi to the national team.

Additionally, Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Siyabonga Mabena was sidelined due to injury.

These withdrawals forced Mdaka to meticulously scout for players, ultimately turning to the reserve league to form the core of his team. Further compounding his challenges, captain Asekho Tiwami suffered a knee injury in the opening game against Egypt and was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

Despite these setbacks, Amajita rose to the occasion, claiming the gold medal and avenging their loss to Morocco 28 years ago under then-coach Shakes Mashaba.

Their victory also secured qualification for the FIFA U/20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile later this year.

“Honestly, when we were told we had to lead the U/20s, I think two years back, in 2023, we had several meetings before we could finalize a technical team, discussing how we would approach it,” Mdaka explained at a press conference in Kempton Park.

“Because back then, we couldn’t definitively say which players belonged to the U/20s. We were fortunate that, in our short-term programs, we were able to assemble a team that could compete in Mozambique. This meant that while we would be looking at everyone in the country, we needed to go to games where we could truly see the qualifying players.”

He continued, “We attended most of the games; you could see us there – in Cape Town, everywhere else. And we’re fortunate, I think, by the beginning of our first camp, the core of this team that we are seeing today was already there in March when we started preparing the team. So, going forward, we were constantly monitoring them almost every day when they were playing in the DDC [DStv Diski Challenge].”

Mdaka concluded, “And fortunately, as part of the national team’s advantage, we continued with the monitoring. To put it simply, we really appreciate it because it was very difficult sometimes. You need to see players playing, and that opportunity to see them play made it easy for us to come up with a list. Hence, we went to Mozambique and were able to play with a team that could compete.”

Adding to the team’s accolades, goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Tylon Smith was honored as the Best Player of the tournament. Coach Mdaka himself was recognized as the Coach of the Tournament.