Amajimbos secure first win on return to U17 World Cup

South Africa’s U17 national football team, the Amajimbos, secured their first victory after over a decade away from the FIFA World Cup.

Despite being a man down, the team triumphed with a 3-1 victory over Bolivia in their opening game in Qatar on Monday.

Emile Witbooi, Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els found the net in a stellar fashion to secure the win and give the team the confidence booster it needed for the tournament ahead.

South Africa goes top of Group A, with Italy in second, who defeated hosts Qatar 1-0.

Speaking to Robert Marawa, coach Vela Khumalo says that the game demanded a lot from the players, being one man down and playing in high temperatures, but they played well.

“They really wanted to play a good game and show good character. We are happy that we are over the first hurdle.”

He says there is a concern regarding the short recovery time ahead of the next game against Qatar on Thursday, 6 November.

“We hope to recover nicely and try and give our best against Qatar. It is going to be more demanding because Qatar will not want to lose two games,” Khumalo says.

To listen to Khumalo in conversation with 947’s Robert Marawa, click below (skip to 37:55):