JOHANNESBURG – Amajita begin their FIFA Under-20 World Cup campaign with a tricky clash against Japan in Suwon, South Korea on Sunday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5pm local time (10am SA time).
“We have come a long way as a team to be where we are today, and we have done everything we need to do – what awaits us is the kickoff against Japan and we just can’t wait,” said Amajita captain Tercious Malepe.
“Our preparations have gone according to plan, and we hope that everything we learnt we will implement in the game.”
Malepe adds that even though they will be on the field, the support from the fans back home will be crucial.
“We come here as ambassadors of our country and the support from all the people back home will give us that extra boost to tackle the task ahead,” he said.
Amajita arriving at Suwon World Cup Stadium ahead of their 5pm match against Japan #U20WC @madamenamhla @SAFA_net @BurgerKingZA pic.twitter.com/8BpVsGVVPe
— South African U20 (@AmajitaU20) May 21, 2017
“We are determined to get our 2017 campaign off to a good start and knowing the fans are behind us all the way back home will make the mission all the more easier.”
South Africa last qualified for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2009, when they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Ghana.
Dr Jordaan on Amajita: Remember these are WC finals; everymatch is a final. Fight until final whistle.To players &coaching staff; GOOD LUCK pic.twitter.com/5hQjulIMg3