Khumalo backs Amajimbos to deliver at the U17 World Cup

The South African national U17 team leaves tonight for Qatar, in what will only be the country’s third appearance at this age category in the men’s division.

The team’s preparations haven’t been at their best, mainly due to funding issues, but Khumalo says the quality of these boys is going to show.

"We are excited that we are on our way to Qatar, and we want to thank the association for helping us through, and hopefully, we will make the country very proud.

"It was very important for us to take these young ones and expose them to the World Cup stage."

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It’s not just a lack of funding that has hampered the preparations of this team, but also the unavailability of some of their key players due to matric exams and injuries.

The team is traveling with a 20-man squad instead of 21, as they couldn’t replace a player who is sitting for his exams.

"FIFA is granting us 21 spots, so we registered 21 players, only to find out that a player from Sundowns was writing his matric final exams, so he was not given the opportunity to be part of this group. We could not replace him in the squad because it wasn't a medical reason," explained Khumalo. 

Amajimbos play their opening game at the World Cup next Monday against Bolivia, and three days later face hosts Qatar and finish their Group A matches against Italy on the ninth of November.

"The boys basically grew up together. We started when they were 14 years old, so for us, it was about recapping on the things we've been doing since the beginning. With the players we have, I believe that we are in a really good place."

Khumalo revealed that as part of their final preparations here at home, they played against the Kaizer Chiefs DDC teams and also Malawi last weekend, and maintains that they will rely on their previous preparation for this tournament and get better as the tournament progresses.

Furthermore, at the airport this morning to wish Amajimbos well was the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, an avid football fan, and he too is excited by the team’s qualification and participation at the World Cup.