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The South African Under-17 men’s national team insists that they are not going to the FIFA U17 World Cup just to make up the numbers, but to make a huge impact and be competitive.
Coach Vela Khumalo’s charges departed from South Africa on Thursday afternoon on their way to line up against the best U17 national teams in the world in the global event to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) hosted a farewell breakfast for the team on Thursday and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, CEO Lydia Monyepao, NEC Member Job Mchunu, the Association’s staff members and members of the media were on hand to wish Amajimbos well ahead of their adventure in Qatar.
Captain Kamohelo Mareletse and his teammates said they are going to the tournament to compete, starting in their opening match against Bolivia on Monday.
They said they were inspired by the exploits of the Morocco team that stunned Argentina 2-0 at the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium in Santiago, Chile, to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup a week ago.
The Gauteng Premier presented the team with the South African flag and said the players will be carrying the aspirations of millions of fellow citizens.
“On behalf of the South African government, we are wishing you well, so go there and make us proud. I have no doubt that you will make us proud,” the Gauteng Premier said.
“You have a big responsibility but also a very big opportunity. We want you to go and enjoy yourselves, focus, be disciplined and seek glory for the country, for yourselves, for the teams you come from and for SAFA as a national Association,” the SAFA President said.
“The whole team thanks you for the support and we hope and pray that we will represent the country very well in Qatar,” said Khumalo.
SOURCED FROM SAFA WEBSITE.