Raymond Mdaka says the crop of players coming through the U17 squad bodes for an exciting future for Amajita.
After reaching the top 16 in world football, the reigning Cosafa and AFCON champions will now be looking to establish themselves in the professional ranks, potentially push for the 2028 Olympic games and senior international football.
The U17 side are now in their final preparation for the World Cup in Qatar that begins in November – while the younger crop of players just secured the Cosafa Cup title for next year’s U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Something one cannot confirm, as it depends on the association, I think for the kind of players we brought together, with time, understanding and experience – we could still get a way of bringing in a stronger team,” Mdaka said.
“The U17s are doing very well, and a bigger pool [of players] so it’s for the personel who will be responsible how to use them best and maybe if we had some time, checking these players – we can have those same players through the Cosafa until we maybe qualify.
“You cannot win Cosafa, AFCON, and then lose in the World Cup – and then start losing in the Cosafa and AFCON, somewhere, somehow, we need to maintain and try to dominate, which needs hard work and effort and a lot of support, there’s a lot needed to dominant the continent.”
Mdaka admits the football at the global level was learning curve for everyone involved in the squad and it was a very different experience than being part of Marumo Gallants, when they reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
“I have learnt a lot about the competition, the level of technical ability, tactical awareness, and a lot of hard work that’s needed, when you deal with U20s you must know it’s players that are naturally talented,” Mdaka said.
“This is the players you need to work more with their minds in understanding tactics and being aware of the moments, it’s more about working on the mind, that will take over into the qualities they naturally have with their technique.”