SAFA TD not giving up on Amajimbos project after AFCON failure

Steenbok, whose office has put a lot of focus and energy on the U17 project, which was started as an U15 team two years ago, revealed international trips are in the pipeline to keep this team together. 

Amajimbos lost 2-1 to Zambia last week in the COSAFA U17 Championships semi-finals, and Steenbok shares how they have received invitations from outside the continent for the team.

"Yes, we already have two invitations – one in Mongolia, we have to go and play Mongolia and Indonesia in a three-nations tournament, and then, of course, in the US (United States) they have been invited," shared Steenbok.

"So, that's why I say, the project continues for them, I have to keep them busy so that they can get more international experience, but for me, it's a development programme.

"It's tough that we didn't qualify, but I continue to work hard for the national association, and for the players to build them up, we keep the players busy and try to give them as many opportunities as possible." 

Amajimbos came to the COSAFA tournament as one of the favourites to qualify for the AFCON, and won their group ties against Botswana, Comoros, and Mauritius. 

However, they came unstuck against the Young Chipolopolo, with Steenbok admitting their failure to qualify came as a huge setback.

"A player like Emile Witbooi, for example, Selwyn Stevens, Kamohelo Maraletse are also on the verge of joining the U20 because they have qualified for the AFCON, and these are exceptional players.

"So in our plan, we'll try to integrate them again as we move forward because the bigger picture is the 2028 Olympics, or the three next World Cups after this one, that these players should have international experience to be able to compete."

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