Amajimbos prepare for World Cup

Cape Town - The under-17 men’s national team have begun their preparations for the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup that is set to take place in Chile in October.

Amajimbos secured qualification for the World Cup by securing a semi-final spot in the CAF African Youth Championships earlier this year which were held in Niger.

Nigeria, Guinea and Mali were the other semi-finalists and will join South Africa in Chile.

South Africa made it to the final where they lost 2-0 to Mali.

Coach Molefi Ntseki could not hide his excitement at getting preparations under way as he spoke to the SAFA website.

“I am happy to be back in camp with the boys. They are my source of happiness and inspiration. It has been a while since we were last together,” said Ntseki.

“This camp is simply to build on what we achieved earlier this year at the AYC and to continue preparations for Chile.

“We have kept the majority of the team that achieved the milestone but will also be looking at a new breed of players,” he said.

It will be the first time that the Amajimbos will play in the World Cup and they have selected a provisional squad already to begin early preparations.

Goalkeepers: Mondli Mpoto (SuperSport Academy), Sanele Tshabalala (Bidvest Wits Academy), Walter Kubheka (Sundowns Academy), Sizwe Skei (Kaizer Chiefs Academy)

Defenders: Luyanda Gumede (AmaZulu Academy), Notha Ngcobo (Sundowns Academy), Keanu Cupido (Diambars), Katlego Mohamme (SuperSport Academy), Thendo Mukumela (Sundowns Academy), Riyaaz Ismail (Hellenic FC)

Midfielders: Wiseman Meyiwa (Kaizer Chiefs Academy), Thato Ramogogodi (School of Excellence), Nelson Maluleke (SuperSport Academy), Sibongakonke Mbatha (School of Excellence), Liam Jordan (BidVest Wits Academy), Tebogo Qinisile (Roses United), Charles Baloyi (Platinum Stars Academy), Tyreese Pillay (Pimville Young Stars), Malebogo Modise (Sundowns Academy), Simon Nqoi (SuperSport Academy)

Strikers: Khanyisa Mayo (SuperSport Academy), Luvuyo Mkhatshana (BidVest Wits Academy), Kobamelo Kodisang (Platinum Stars Academy), Dylan Stoffels (AmaZulu Academy), Johannes Mphekgoane (Moria Sweepers).