Amajita uplifted as captain Tiwani returns for the FIFA U20 World Cup

Tiwani, the versatile Mamelodi Sundowns defender who can operate at left-back or centre-back, was injured in the opening match of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, where Amajita went on to clinch their maiden continental title.

Now fully fit, he is back to lead the side on the global stage. Lowe-Smythe told SABC Sport before their departure that Tiwani’s leadership qualities will be key.

"Tiwani's leadership qualities are definitely not to be disputed; he is a top leader and a top footballer. That is what we need in this team, players with individual quality that are also willing to lead the team by doing some of the dirty work."

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The Portugal-based goalkeeper added that what makes this Amajita group special is the unity they have built over the past year.

"The unity that we have developed is a result of the environment that the coaches have presented us with. From that first camp in Lesotho two years ago, this team has developed really well and grown a lot stronger together."

A product of the Ubuntu Football Academy in Cape Town, Lowe-Smythe moved to Portugal with his parents five years ago and now plays for Primeira Liga side Estoril Praia, where he recently signed a senior team contract after the AFCON.

Nonetheless, the 19-year-old insists his focus remains on the World Cup.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has already earmarked the AFCON U20 goalkeeper of the tournament for future senior call-ups, but Lowe-Smythe says he is not getting carried away, choosing instead to stay patient with his development.

Amajita are in Group E, with France, New Caledonia, and the USA.

They kick their campaign off on Monday against France, and Lowe-Smythe says he doesn't know much about their opponents yet, but in Mamelodi Sundowns analyst Tinashe-Shingai Mukandatsama, they have one of the best analysts in the country and can count on him.