Thabo Mngomeni credits COSAFA U20 as a key step towards FIFA U17 World Cup
9th July 2025
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The South African national team is stepping up their preparations for the FIFA U17 men’s World Cup with their participation in the COSAFA-organised Region 5 games in Namibia.
The Vela Khumalo-led Amajimbos side is participating in an U20 tournament with their U17 team, testing the strength of their squad ahead of the World Cup tournament in Qatar, scheduled for November.
After producing a six-goal thriller in the 3-all draw against Zambia, Amajimbos hammered Botswana 3-0 in their second game.
Assistant coach Thabo Mngomeni says they’re getting the much-needed test in this tournament.
"Since I've mentioned that of course we are preparing for the World Cup. This is good preparation for us, things like this give us a tough time so that we can think about what we can get on the World Cup stages,” Mngomeni said.
“I think I can say we are thankful for this opportunity that we got here to prepare for the World Cup."
Amajimbos have been drawn against hosts Qatar, Italy and Bolivia in the expanded 48-team and now annual U17 World Cup.
Having played against Zambia, another World Cup-bound team, Mngomeni, a former Bafana Bafana international, says this is the kind of opposition they needed for their preparations.
"Definitely because the teams that we are playing here are not just walkovers, we have to think. We have to plan, it's not an easy game so definitely it is," he added.
Amajimbos will secure their ticket to the semifinals today with a win against Eswatini in a 3pm kickoff.
Mngomeni says in their previous game against the young Zebras, they fielded a second-string team to give more players a chance in this tournament.
"Definitely, we have to be happy with the results. We are still looking to polish up some few positions, at least that lead gave us a chance to give the other boys also some minutes."
