BY Obakeng Maje

Having booked their place in the semi-finals of the 8-Nation International Tournament, the South African National Under-20 National Team (Amajita) is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Amajita secured their position in the last four of the Cape Town-based tournament with a hard-fought one nil (1-0) win over Nigeria at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday night (29 May 2012).

The result saw them finish second in Group A on six points, behind Argentina who accumulated their seventh point with a goalless (0-0) draw against Ghana.

The host nation did superbly well to bounce back from their opening game 3-1 loss to Argentina by beating Ghana 2-0 and then triumphing over the Flying Eagles, both formidable opponents.

While not as prolific in front of goal as they could have been, Amajita have excelled in all other aspects of play.

Their attractive football has captured the imagination. Since conceding three in the opening game, the defence has been watertight. The midfield has shone with their pace, skill and invention, and both strikers – Thabani Mthembu (two goals) and Jerry Mxabo have found the net.

Now coach Solly Luvhengo is looking to guide his side into the next phase, where Brazil could well be the opponents, if not Japan.

“I’m happy that we have advanced to the semi-finals as that means we are guaranteed two more games together (the semi-final plus potentially the final, or a third place play-off). This tournament is about getting as much experience as possible for the young players. Facing Brazil or Japan will be a big, big test of character.

“We have beaten two countries from Africa. I said from the beginning that each match will be tougher than the next. The challenge now is to go beyond that and beat teams from other continents,” he said.

The semi-finals will take place at the Athlone Stadium on Friday (1 June) evening, at 18H00 and 20H30, with Brazil, Japan, Argentina and South Africa set to entertain the Mother City with some exhilarating performances, if matches to date are anything to gauge by.

The final will take place at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday (16H30), with the play-off for third place kicking off at 14H00.

The tournament has thus far warmed up what has been an icy cold Cape Town. On the field, there has been an array of exciting young talents that have caught the eye. 

Amajita attacking playmaker Snethemba Ngidi, Argentine holding midfielder Alan Ruiz, Ghana left back Baba Abdul, Brazil centre back Wellington dos Santos and Japan attacker Shuto Minami have stood out in particular.

In the stands, there has been plenty of colour and entertainment as well, mainly with an African flavour.

The local brass band has provided the soundtrack, with good accompaniment from, in particular, a vocal group of Cameroon supporters, with Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria also having their own countrymen in attendance. There has even been a small but proud group of Japanese supporters.

Further up the stands in the VIP boxes, have been a host of local dignitaries and well-know football personalities.

Ajax Cape Town coach Maarten Stekelenburg, Boebie Solomons from Santos, Supersport United’s Gavin Hunt and Ernst Middendorp from Maritzburg United have all been spotted at the event.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother, Martin Ferguson, who works as a scout for Manchester United, is also reported to have been in attendance, so too have representatives from Real Madrid as well as clubs from Italy and Brazil.