Khumalo Names Final Amajimbo Squad For AFCON In Morocco

South Africa U-17 national team head coach Vela Khumalo named his final 21-man squad for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations which takes place in Morocco from 13 to 31 March.

With less than 10 days to go before the kick-off, the Amajimbos were placed in Group C, alongside Senegal, Mali and Cameroon.

Amajimbos will play their games in Casablanca while Group A consists of hosts nation Morocco, Uganda, Zambia and Ivory Coast.

The AFCON tournament, which consists of 12 teams, has Group B consisting of Tanzania, Nigeria, Algeria and Congo.

The South African national U-17 coach admits that he has deployed his strongest team for what he expects to be a tough tournament.

“We are looking forward to a tough but exciting tournament. We are ready to put up a great show and advertise the South African style of play. In the past South Africa has done very well in the U-17 tournament and we intend to continue doing so,” Khumalo told Safa.net

Khumalo says he disappointed that they will be no FIFA U-17 World Cup due to the coronavirus pandemic that continues to hit the globe.

“It is unfortunate that there will be no U-17 FIFA World Cup this year as qualification for that tournament was our ultimate goal,” added Khumalo.

“However, we will go to Morocco and bring back with us the much needed international experience for these players as they are the stars of tomorrow.”

Final U-17 Squad:

GOALKEEPERS:

1. Callum THOMPSON KZN Academy (KwaZulu Natal)
2. Deejan AH SHENE Ubuntu FC (Western Cape)
3. Tyrique SIMONS SuperSport United (Gauteng)
   DEFENDERS
4. Akhanyile NORAWANA School of Excellence (Gauteng)
5. Siyabonga GUMEDE School of Excellence (Gauteng)
6. Puso DITHEJANE School of Excellence (Gauteng)
7. Abram MASHELE Supersport United (Gauteng)
   MIDFIELDERS:
8. Kabelo KGOSITLILE Baroka (Limpopo)
9. Yamkela PHALANE AmaZulu (KwaZulu Natal)
10. Luciano JONAS Unattached (formerly with Bidvest Wits)
11. Siphesihle TATI Kaizer Chiefs (Gauteng)
12. Mduduzi SHABALALA Kaizer Chiefs (Gauteng)
13. Ntandoyenkosi NKOSI Kaizer Chiefs (Gauteng)
14. Luphumlo SIFUMBA Cape Town City (Western Cape)
15. Siyabong KHOZA Panarama FC (Gauteng)
16. Unathi RADEBE Cape Town Spurs (Western Cape)
    FORWARDS:
17. Keaviano FRANCIS School of Excellence (Gauteng)
18. Sanele SKOSANA AP Apprentice Academy (Gauteng)
19. Mikhenso MBIGA TS Galaxy (Mpumalanga)
20. Thabang MAHLANGU SuperSport United (Gauteng)
21. Njabulo HLONGWANE Kaizer Chiefs (Gauteng)