Khumalo backs Amajimbos to qualify from U-17 World Cup group stage

Photo Credit - SAFA.

Amajimbos coach Vela Khumalo is confident that South Africa will progress from the group stage at the U-17 World Cup, set to take place in Qatar from November 5 to 27.

During Sunday's draw in Doha, South Africa were drawn in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Italy and Bolivia. They qualified for the tournament by reaching the quarter-finals of their age group in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“This is what we were all waiting for and this is what we anticipated. It's a very interesting draw for the country [SA] ... very intriguing. We are ready and this is all we wanted, but it's important to not get carried away,'' said Khumalo, as quoted by Sowetan.

“We must work towards getting out of the group stage. We don't know much about the teams [that we are pitted against], but we are all starting from zero. We are all equal, so it's all about preparations.

“With what we see, maybe one would say there are good chances of going through to the knockout phase of the competition and from there we'd see what can happen going forward.”

Nigeria are the most successful nation in the tournament's history, with five titles and finishing as runners-up three times. Brazil are the second-most successful team with four titles, placing second on two occasions.

Ghana and Mexico have each won the tournament twice.