Picture: Amajimbos during training ahead of their game/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 November 2025- Amajimbos head coach Vela Khumalo said they are focusing on collecting another three points in their second match of the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 currently underway in Doha, Qatar. After defeating Bolivia in the opening fixture, the South Africans face the hosts who are still licking their wounds following a 1-0 loss against Italy in the other Group A fixture.
Khumalo said victory will certainly get them to the next round of the 48-team competition, but they have to be wary of the Middle East side that is desperate for points.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game, we’re playing against the hosts, and that is pressure on the boys, but we will try by all means to ease their nerves. I think the added pressure on ourselves is that we want to win this game so that we can be through to the next round.
“So we will try by all means to deal with the nerves and hopefully we’ll do it right. We really want to go to the next stage, and this is the right time for us. We started very well with three points and if we get these next three points then we are home and dry. When we face Italy (in the final group stage match), we don’t want to have any pressure,” he said.
A 10-man Amajimbos got their World Cup campaign off to a positive start as they overpowered a stubborn Bolivia 3-1 with goals from Emile Witbooi, Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els. After dusting off the nerves of the first match, the players are confident of success but are also aware that it won’t be a walk in the park.
Amajimbos defender, Luke Hendricks said: “I got to watch them (Qatar) – myself and Tebza (Teboho Mlangeni), actually stayed after our game against Bolivia and we also watched the video of their game. I can’t lie they are a really good team, but I know they have their flaws and we are looking to exploit them and, hopefully, in Jesus’ name, we will be able to win this game.
“It is really important to win this one because we know how strong Italy is. So going into the game against Italy we would like to have won this game against Qatar. We win it, we are basically through, so winning this game gives us a great boost against Italy.”
Meanwhile, kick-off in the fixture against Qatar is at 17h45 South Africa time (18h45 local time in Doha). Amajimbos will be without the services of defender Sive Pama who was red carded in the clash against Bolivia.
In the other Group A match-up, Italy will take on Bolivia in an earlier start of 14h30 South African time.
The Guardian 