Thabo Senong is planning an all-out attacking approach for Amajita’s Caf Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener against Cameroon on Monday evening (6pm kickoff).
With places at the Under-20 World Cup up for grabs, the South Africans are intent on grabbing the points early to stand in line to finish in the top two of Group B.
The semi-finalists at the tournament taking place in Zambia will represent Africa at the global showpiece set for South Korea later in the year.
Announcing his starting line-up for Monday’s match, which will take place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Senong said: “We know that the Cameroonians will use their height and presence to try and unsettle us, but we will stick to our game plan.
“We need to get a positive result today to ensure we don’t go into our last group-stage match with any pressure, so a good start is vital to keep alive our chances of making it into the all-important top four so we can book our place to the World Cup later this year.”
For this reason, Amajita will take the game to their opponents.
“Modern football is all about attacking and this is one of our strengths. We aim at creating and converting as many goals as possible this evening, but we have also told the players to respect the critical phases of the match.”
With captain Tercious Malepe suspended, Senong has given the skipper duties to midfield anchorman Teboho Mokoena.
SA Under-20 Team
Mondli Mpoto (GK), Note Ngcobo, Thendo Mukumela, Katlego Mohamme, Sandile Mthethwa, Wiseman Meyiwa, Teboho Mokoena (captain), Sibongakonke Mbatha, Grant Margeman, Luther Singh, Itumeleng Shopang.
Substitutes: Sanele Tshabalala, Khulekani Khubeka, Siyabonga Ngezana, Aghmat Ceres, Sipho Mbule, Kobamelo Kodisang, Liam Jordan, Khanyisa Mayo.