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How SAFA aims to assist Amajimbos for 2023 U17 AFCON in Algeria

The SA Football Association [SAFA] technical director Walter Steenbok says they are waiting for a report from Amajimbos head coach Duncan Crowie to find a better way to assist the team ahead of the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] tournament. 

This comes after the South African national U17 national team qualified for the U17 AFCON tournament set to take place in Algeria. The continental competition will start in April next year.

Amajimbos finished as the runner-up at the Region 5 Games held in Lilongwe, Malawi. The side succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Zambia in the finals. 

Despite the disappointing result in the finals, Crowie was pleased to have successfully achieved an important target they set for themselves which was to qualify for the AFCON.

Amajimbos players at training before the COSAFA Cup tournament
Amajimbos players at training before the COSAFA Cup tournament

WALTER STEENBOK SPEAKS…

In an interview with FARPost, Steenbok said that they are willing to do everything in their power to assist Amajimbos to be ready for the AFCON tournament.

But the only thing standing in their way right now is the report from the national team’s coach Crowie, who is expected to hand over the report after the Christmas holidays.

“Firstly congratulations to the Amajimbos technical team and the management of the team,” Steenbok told this publication.

“Look, the first thing we have already had is a discussion with Duncan and I’m waiting for the report.

“We can’t first have plans without the report. When the coach submits his report after the Christmas holidays then we will have a look to see what he said in the report.

“Ad strategise on how best we can plan for the team to be ready for the 2023 AFCON.”

WALTER STEENBOK ON AMAJIMBOS PERFORMANCE

Reflecting on the Amajimbos performance at the COSAFA Championship, he said: “It’s a big justification, that we have talent in South Africa.

“We didn’t even doubt the potential of the team. The most important thing that we have to do is galvanise everybody who qualifies for that team and see how best we can assist them.”

RELATED STORY: Five Amajimbos players who rose to the occasion at COSAFA Championship

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