Shakes happy with Amajita

Johannesburg - New Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has seen improvements in the national under-20 team during their tour of West Africa.

Mashaba said he was getting the best out of the squad, following a goalless draw against Senegal on Wednesday at the Stade Caroline Faye in the city of Mbour.

"In the first half the boys were a bit lethargic and were not quick off the mark. In the second we kept possession, got forward quickly and even managed to breach their defence," Mashaba said.

"We missed some chances. I counted about five -- three we passed the goalkeeper, two we hit the side net. But I am happy with the boys' performance. There is something coming out of this team."

The tour is being used as preparation for Amajita's opening match in the African Youth Championship qualifier against Cameroon in Yaounde on August 16.

Amajita played to a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in their first match, and went down 0-1 to Mali in their second outing.

Mashaba, who was named as Bafana coach last weekend while on tour with the under-20 side, is expected to assume the national team's reins after the qualifier against Cameroon.

Amajita's final tour match will be against Ivory Coast on Monday.

"Our boys did very well. They showed guts but the only problem is their finishing.

"If we can sort that out, we'll be able to say we are off the mark and we'll be ready to face Cameroon," Mashaba said.