Amajita get hero’s welcome, Broos delivers message

The AFCON U-20 champions, Amajita, were met with an inspiring message from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos upon their return to OR Tambo International Airport from Cairo on Tuesday.

Broos was on hand at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday to greet the newly crowned champions as they arrived from Cairo.

Amajita’s homecoming was a grand affair, with Broos joined by South African government and SAFA officials, as well as thousands of jubilant fans.

South Africa’s U-20 team made history on Sunday night, securing their first-ever AFCON U-20 title with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final. The decisive goal came in the second half from Gomolemo Kekana at the June 30 Stadium.

This triumph, guided by coach Raymond Mdaka, not only broke a five-game losing streak against North African teams but also secured their spot in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup later this year.

Having secured a bronze medal with Bafana Bafana at the 2023 AFCON, the Belgian coach informed Amajita that their recent success signalled the true beginning of their professional careers.

“Everything starts now for you; you are at a crossroads. If you take the right direction, I’ll see you back next year in Bafana Bafana in big stadiums here in South Africa,” he said.

“You‘ve got every opportunity to have a nice life for the next 10, 12 years as a professional football player and believe me, it’s the nicest profession you can imagine.

“But you still have to work very hard in the next months. I hope you guys take the right lifestyle, this is very important to achieve,” he concluded.