South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan said the victorious COSAFA Under-20 champions should remain on the M-Road on their way to the World Cup which will be held in Moscow in 2018.

“This team is on the M-Road; from Maseru to Moscow. But en route to Moscow, they will have to go through Rio in 2016 for the Under-23 Olympics in Brazil,” said Dr Jordaan in welcoming the Under-20 squad and coach Shakes Mashaba.

The past 10 days have been tough and painful for South Africans, following the passing on of the country’s anti-apartheid icon and former State President, Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

“But you (Under-20) have brought happiness to the country and wherever Madiba is, he is happy about your achievements.  Madiba was not a quitter and was not after easy challenges. He pursued goals to the end – and I am seeing this trait in the way this Under-20 squad plays,” he said in reference on how they overcome Zimbabwe in the penultimate stage despite playing the remainder of the second half with one man short.

Dr Jordaan added that the victory could not have come at better time.

“Today we celebrate the Reconciliation Day, which in essence is the Madiba Day because he is the architect of what this day stands for.”

Coach Mashaba said he felt some Madiba Magic at the way his charges defied the odds especially in the semi-finals.

“In addition to doing it for Madiba and putting smiles back on mourning South Africans, the squad also did this for the new SAFA executive,” said Mashaba.

The junior mentor also praised the Basotho people at the way they supported Amajita.

“They were behind us through thick and thin. We never expected such support,” he said.

Amajita never conceded a goal in normal playing time on their way to gold and Mashaba attributed this to discipline, dedication and most importantly in honour of Madiba.