By Obakeng Maje

The South African U-17 Men’s National team (Amajimbos) which has been in camp gearing up for the first round of the African U-17 Youth Championship qualifiers are ready to take on Zambia in the match scheduled for Saturday (13 October 2012) at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

Kick-off is at 16h00.

The first leg qualifier will be part of a double header at Dobsonville Stadium in which the senior women’s national team (Banyana Banyana) play Zimbabwe in a friendly encounter. Kick-off 19h00.

Head coach of the South African U/17 Men’s National team, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba is confident of a good result despite having little time to prepare.

The 10th edition of the African U-17 Youth Championship is scheduled to take place in Morrocco from 13 – 27 April 2013.

The Amajimbos squad has been training at the University of Johannesburg; Soweto campus grounds since Monday, 8 October 2012.

South Africa players born between 1996 and 1997 have undergone MRI Scans to comply with CAF regulations. The results of the scans have been sent through to CAF headquarters for verification ahead of the first leg qualifier on Saturday.

Coach Mashaba feels this camp is a good start to grooming future stars.

“Zambia have tough and skilful players that is why we need to focus more on tactical work.”

“There is an air of optimism and excitement amongst the players as well as nerves. This is natural,” added Mashaba.

The return leg match will be played in Zambia on Saturday, 27 October 2012.