Picture: Amajimbos players celebrating a goal against Bolivia/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 November 2025- The South African U17 Men’s National team got off to a flyer in their opening match of the FIFA U17 World Cup with a fine 3-1 win over Bolivia at the Aspire Zone Complex in Doha, Qatar, on Monday. The victory saw coach Vela Khumalo’s charges make history by becoming the first South African national team to win their opening match in a FIFA World Cup.
This was also the U17s first-ever win in only their second appearance in a World Cup since 2015, where they lost two games and drew the third. But it was not an easy ride in Qatar for Amajimbos after they were reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Sive Pama, who was shown the red card for a foul.
The referee had initially given him the yellow card, but after the assistance of the Football Video Support (FVS) request made by Bolivia, it was changed to his marching orders following a check in the 35th minute. Despite playing a man short, the South Africans took the lead three minutes later, with the sensational Emile Witbooi scoring the opener.
But this was at the second time of asking after his shot rebounded off the upright with Bolivia goalkeeper Geronemo Govea beaten. Lebohang Dhlamini and Alwande Booysen were introduced after the recess in place of Teboho Mlangeni and Selwyn Stevens as Khumalo needed fresh legs.
South Africa continued where they left off in the second half when Neo Bohloko increased the lead to 2-0 in the 50th minute.
Once again Bolivia put to good use their FVS options and successfully challenged a Dhlamini tackle in the South African penalty area – resulting in the South Americans being awarded a spot kick, which Jesus Maraude converted in the 72nd minute.
Amajimbos coach, Vela Khumalo said when it seemed that the match would end with that scoreline, along came second half substitute Shaun Els who beat the offside trap to calmly slot the third and final goal for Amajimbos in referee’s optional time as South Africa ran away 3-1 winners.
“Our analysis was spot on, but was only disturbed by us being one man down and that made us tweak and change our tactical approach to the game. However, we created the chances of still playing from transition. Our boys showed maturity and growing, understanding the technical changes and tactical flexibility that happened, and I’m proud of our boys honestly.
“I was also impressed by the new use of technology, despite it working against us. It is very good for youth football, it helps. I did not get to use any of my advantages from my side but from the other side (Bolivia) they used it and think it is good for the development of football in the world,” he said.
In the other Group A fixture, Italy defeated hosts Qatar 1-0 through a 19th minute goal by forward Samuele Inacio. Amajimbos lead the group on goal difference and will next face Qatar on 6 November at 5:45pm South Africa time. Italy and Bolivia will lock horns in an earlier kick off on the same day.
The Guardian 