Amajita tactical discipline credited for COSAFA U20 title

The junior national team beat Zambia 2-0 in the final, with goals from Shandre Campbell and tournament top scorer Lee Ashene, with both teams also qualifying for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations to be held next year in a host nation yet to be confirmed. 

Coach Raymond Mdaka complimented the players' tactical discipline in executing their play through the campaign, which also led to their impressive defensive record.

"As much as we took it game by game, I think one of the [key] principles was to say, when we play in a tournament, tactically we need to be very, very disciplined, especially when defending," said Mdaka.

"Once you don't concede, chances are you'll get maybe a half a chance or a chance, then you score a goal and you become the winner.

"I think that principle was well followed, we were able to adapt under very serious challenges, and our boys could keep on standing on their legs, so compliments to the boys for their very good work."

To qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, Amajita will have to finish in the top four at the AFCON, with Mdaka highlight the importance of physical and mental fitness in their defensive organisation if they are to succeed.

"It's also a mental aspect – defending is not only about you running, it's more of a mental aspect, if you look for the ball here and don't get it, you look for the ball there," he added.

"Yes, it takes a lot of [physical and mental] energy, but at some stage you will feel you are enjoying defending in that moment, which I think was helpful to our team."

READ: High praise for Amajita players after AFCON U20 qualification