Amajita World Cup preps hit top gear

The South African under-20 Men’s National Team, Amajita, has kick-started their preparations for the Fifa Under-20 Men's World Cup that will take place in Poland next month.

The squad reported for duty on Wednesday, 17 April, and wasted no time in getting down to business – having their first training session at Sturrock Park in Johannesburg.

Amajita head coach Thabo Senong expressed his delight over his charges' response in that session, adding that they looked sharp in their first ever meeting together.

"We had a good training session," Senong said. "The boys are looking sharp and I must say that I am very happy with that. We just need to improve on a few areas in their play and this team will be good to go once that is sorted."

The South Africans are set to jet off on Friday, 19 April, to Saudi Arabia to play the host nation, who have also qualified for the World Cup, in two international friendly matches – scheduled for 22 and 25 May.

After the two games, they will fly to Poland to continue their preparations with a clash against Uruguay on 15 May.

In the last international friendly match before the World Cup, Amajita will be in Ukraine where the two nations will face each other on 18 May.

Senong added that the friendly matches will play a key role in helping his side to get ready for the battle ahead.

"We are expecting tough opposition from the sides we will be playing against in our upcoming friendlies, which will be key because we want the boys to be both physically and mentally sharp when the tournament kicks off. We really want to do well at the World Cup," said Senong.

The under-20 mentor has roped in Supersport United duo Luke Fleurs and Oswin Appollis to form part of his current provisional squad that will to travel to Saudi Arabia.

At the Fifa Under-20 World Cup, Amajita have been drawn in Group F alongside Argentina, Korea Republic and Portugal. The top two in the group will proceed to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Courtesy of SAFA.net