Sports Minister Backs Amajita To Win U20 World Cup
Minister of Sports, Gayton Mckenzie, believes the Amajita have what it takes to bring home the FIFA Under-20 World Cup trophy.
The Minister shared his confidence in the team during a send-off celebration in Johannesburg, which was co-hosted by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and HONOR, the official sponsor of both the U20 and senior national teams.
The event celebrated the U20 Men’s National Team’s recent achievements, including their victory at the 2025 COSAFA U20 tournament and lifting the CAF U20 Men’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
These victories also secured their qualification for the upcoming FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup in Chile.
During the ceremony, attended by prominent figures like SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan and HONOR CEO Fred Zhou, Minister Mckenzie handed the South African flag to team captain Asekho Tiwani on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“I’m telling you today, you’re going to come back with this cup,” Minister Mckenzie declared.
“I believe in you, and on behalf of my President, the Honorable Cyril Ramaphosa, I want to say that he said there’s no doubt that you’re going to come back with the cup. Captain, lead us to victory.”
African Champions Ready for the World Stage
“This is the first time that we have an U20 team going to a FIFA World Cup as the Champions of Africa and therefore the best football team in Africa – having beaten Nigeria and Morocco in your march to be crowned the African champions,” said Jordaan.
“I agree with the Minister, you have it because you play France, then the United States and New Caledonia in your group – you must get out of the group, and once you get out of the group, you have all the options in front of you.
“I want to wish you all the best and acknowledge your hard work and contribution starting in Mozambique (COSAFA Cup), then to the AFCON, and now going to Chile to the World Cup – it’s a long journey, but you are committed and you are focused. On behalf of SAFA, the South Africans and our sponsors, I want to say congratulations, and we are looking forward to seeing this team perform in Chile – all the best.”
This will be Amajita’s fifth appearance at the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup, but their first as African Champions. SAFA President Dr. Jordaan highlighted the significance of their continental victory.
HONOR CEO Fred Zhou also expressed his support, noting the team’s inspiring effect on the youth. “Amajita represent the youth, and this was evident when we were at the Mall of Africa with young children wanting photographs with the players,” Zhou said.
“Congratulations on winning the AFCON; you are now off to Chile to fight for the World Cup. We became partners of Bafana Bafana and Amajita since March, and we haven’t lost a game—I know you are going to win.”
Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka acknowledged the challenge ahead but promised the team would give their all. “We know the magnitude of the assignment at hand, and we are taking nothing for granted,” he said. “This team has character and we will fight with everything we have.”
Amajita’s World Cup Schedule
Amajita has been drawn into Group E, where they will face a tough lineup of opponents.
- Monday, 29 September
- vs. France (22:00 SA time)
- Friday, 3 October
- vs. New Caledonia (01:00 SA time)
- Sunday, 5 October
- vs. USA (22:00 SA time)
