Five Amajimbos players who rose to the occasion at COSAFA Championship
The just-ended U17 COSAFA Championship was fun and great with Amajimbos reaching the finals and securing a spot in the next year’s U17 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] due to take place in Algeria.
The tournament provided football fanatics with all sorts of drama, goals and tension about the qualification for the U17 AFCON tournament.
FARPost writer, Mauwane Raophala takes a look at the five players who rose to the occasion for South Africa’s U17 national team at the Region 5 Games in Lilongwe, Malawi.
1. SIYABONGA MABENA
The Amajimbo’s red-hot striker is one of the players who had fun at the tournament given his freakish goalscoring rate in the competition.
The youngster finished the tournament with nine goals and managed to scoop both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards.
2. GENNARO JOHNSON
The goalkeeper brought a calming influence to his back four and played a significant role in helping Duncan Crowie’s side reach the finals.
To prove that he was a key member of the squad, Johnson won the Golden Glove award for Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
His brilliant command of his 18-yard box made him stand out.
3. BENJAMIN WALLIS
Captain my captain, that’s how many people would call him after leading the Amajimbos with aplomb throughout the tournament.
The skipper did not just lead the team with so much pride but also contributed some important goals for his side.
He was a solid rock at the back and his fearlessness made him enjoy his game more.
4. DHAKIER LEE
The right-winger was key for Amajimbos given his selfless space creation and providing those important assists needed in the final third.
One can finally say that Lee is one of the finest wingers that will likely in turn come to help Bafana Bafana to reach the promised land in the future.
5. THATO SIBIYA
Sibiya, who plays as a left-wing was phenomenal as he added an extra dimension to the squad and his ability to score goals was a cherry on top for coach Crowie.
The rising star’s excellent pace and awareness really helped him to stand out in the tournament.
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