Captain of the South African Men’s u17 National Team, Amajimbos, Luke Fleurs, believes they have been given a third chance to make amends when they take part in the inaugural BRICS u17 Football Cup.

Captain of the South African Men’s u17 National Team, Amajimbos, Luke Fleurs, believes they have been given a third chance to make amends when they take part in the inaugural BRICS u17 Football Cup.

In July this year, Amajimbos took part in the COSAFA Cup held in Mauritius where they went all the way to the final but were beaten to the title by Namibia who emerged 3-1 winners.

This was followed by a loss to Tanzania in the second leg of the CAF u17 Africa Youth Championship qualifier – they drew 1-1 in the first leg – knocking them out of the qualifiers.

Fleurs believes the BRICS Cup will be third time lucky for them.

“We are very excited about taking part in this tournament where we will take on the likes of Brazil, Russia and China, as well as India. The coach told us, and we are also aware, that we have been given the third opportunity to win something – first it was the COSAFA Cup, which we didn’t win, then next was the qualifiers of the CAF u17 African Youth Championships where we were knocked out by Tanzania. With the BRICS tournament coming up, we believe this is our chance to get something even though we know it will not be easy,” said Fleurs.

This inaugural BRICS u17 Football Cup will be held in Goa, India from 5 – 15 October. All the teams taking part – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – are part of the economic block formed by those countries and named BRICS.

“This is a great tournament for youngsters like us who still want to achieve things. This will also help us a great deal in getting more international experience. Even though we don’t know much about Brazil, Russia, India and China at youth level, I believe we have it takes to do well. We will go there and play to the best of our ability,” added Fleurs.

“There are also many chances for individual players to be scouted and perhaps further their career abroad, but we need to bear in mind that this is not about individuals, but about the collective. We are going there to represent our country and I believe we will do it well, anything else after that is secondary. If we play as a unit and have one goal in mind, that is to win, then I believe we will come out victorious.”

Amajimbos depart for India on Monday, 3 October and their first match in the tournament will be against the hosts on Friday, 7 October at the Bambolin Ground in Goa.

Kickoff is at 16h00 local time (12h30 SA time).