Mdaka calls for increased support ahead of U20 AFCON
Despite the South African U20 national team securing a dominant 6-0 win against Botswana U20 at UJ Soweto Stadium on Saturday, coach Raymond Mdaka voiced his concerns regarding their overall performance.
Amajita started the match energetically, scoring three goals in the first half. Jody Ah Shene found the net twice, while his teammate Shakeel April added a third shortly after the 20-minute mark.
Mfundo Vilakazi and Langelihle Phili contributed to the scoreline in the second half, with three more goals solidifying the 6-0 victory for the hosts. The rising Kaizer Chiefs prospect scored two goals, including a spectacular free-kick.
“The game wasn’t our best. Maybe we played to the strengths of our opponents. Based on my assessment of our team, we should have delivered a more impressive performance. I believe the players may have thought, ‘Botswana won’t be a significant threat,’ which is a mentality we cannot adopt, especially with AFCON approaching,” Mdaka remarked.
“While scoring is great, we need to maintain our focus, as we will face considerable challenges if we don’t improve. It’s vital to shake off the habit of underestimating opponents. We need to consistently aim for excellence.”
Vilakazi, Phili, and Kutlwano Letlhaku were not part of Amajita’s starting lineup for the match on Saturday. Mdaka provided clarification on their exclusion from the starting team.
“Our goal is to assess certain players in varied positions. Our squad is strong, but we wanted to give some players the chance to demonstrate their capabilities,” Mdaka stated.
“It’s encouraging to say that we have both a capable starting team and a strong bench. Players like Mfundo [Vilakazi], Letlhaku, and Major [Phili] often shine in their primary teams due to their undeniable talent.”
This match served as a friendly as Amajita prepares for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON], scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from April 26 to May 18, 2025. Amajita finds itself in a tough group for the AFCON, alongside Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria.
Amajita and Botswana will meet again on Tuesday at the same location as they continue their preparations for AFCON.