Kickoff (Cape Town)
28 August 2008
The South African Under-17 team has advanced its preparations ahead of the Algeria 2009 African Championships first round, first leg qualifier against Malawi at Eldorado Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Tebogo Moloi-coached Amajimbos are starting off their campaign in the first round after having been handed a bye in the preliminary round where Malawi overcame Mozambique.
The South African youths are due to travel to Malawi after a fortnight for the second leg that will conclusively determine who proceeds to the last qualifying round.
Since Friday the team of teenage school boys has been sweating it out with a positive vibe in camp alternating between Marks Park and Eldorado Park.
"The boys are in a positive frame of mind and we have no injuries. Serame Letsoaka, who has vast experience in this type of tournament, has been in attendance to share his insight so we are well prepared. You can tell the boys really want to play and achieve something judging by their body language," says Moloi.
Amajimbos go into this qualifier with a slight advantage having beaten Malawi 1-0 in the Cosafa tournament played in Malawi last December.
Safa president, Molefi Oliphant has already thrown his weight towards the junior team encouraging them to overcome the Malawians in order to step up the ladder of aiming towards the World Championships..
The full squad:
Goalkeepers: Sanele Ngubane (Afrika Sports Academy), Abram Marosha (Harmony Academy)
Defenders: Mbongeni Gumede, Siyabonga Mkhwananzi, Kamogelo Ratau (all Orlando Pirates), Itumeleng Moleofi (United FC), Doctor Mampuru (BidVest Wits), Sello Mohlaka (Afrika Sports Academy), Faeez Khan (Santos)
Midfielders: Thomas Sertubarube (Orlando Pirates), Xolani Mdaki, Lebohang Moloto (all BidVest Wits), Jabulani Ncobeni (Maritzburg United), Khulekani Khumalo, Lehlonoholo Masalesa, Menzi Masuku (Afrika Sports Academy), Mothusi Gopane (BidVest Wits)
Strikers: Justice Nozozo (Afrika Sports Academy), Sanele Mkhize (Maritzburg City), Zanele Zungu (NRD Flotech)
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