Mdaka wants sharper finishing after winning COSAFA U20 opener

A brace from man of the match Steve “Stevie G” Mendes and a strike from his Kaizer Chiefs teammate Teboho Mlangeni ensured the defending champions got off to the desired start in this tournament. With only the group winners guaranteed progression to the semifinals, Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka has welcomed the opening victory.

"Very, very important, honestly, even if it had been one, to win the opening game. Always, you know, dealing with players who still need to grow a bit, so a loss obviously would affect the team; it will affect the players, the technical team, and everybody. But the win on its own says a lot, it gives us more energy and also keeps us positive heading to the semifinals," said Mdaka.

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Despite the convincing victory, Mdaka was still not entirely happy with his side's finish after missing numerous goal-scoring opportunities in this game.

SAFA’s national playing philosophy was also maintained throughout this game by Mdaka’s young team, despite making several changes in the second half, and Mdaka says the African champions are serious about the country’s national identity.

Mdaka has also reserved some praise for Mendes, who took his two goals very well, and has set the tone for a successful tournament, with star player Emile Witbooi expected to join the team ahead of tomorrow’s crunch second game against log leaders Angola.

Amajita will need to be at their best and deliver a clinical performance against Angola in what will be a potential decider for the team that will win this group.