30 August 2017 – Stand-in head coach of the South African U20 Men’s National Team Helman Mkhalele has announced the starting 11 that will face Brazil in the first of two matches of the tri-nations tournament that also feature England and Brazil.
The Burger King-sponsored Amajita face Brazil tonight (Wednesday, 30 August 2017) at Saint Georges Park, Tatenhill, Burton Upon Trent in England.
Kickoff is at 19h00.
Phillip Lesoma will start in goals.
In defence, Lethabo Mazibuko will play at right back, while Brooklyn Poggenpoel will operate at right back, with Leseane Mokgopedi and Dean Solomons holding the fort at central defence.
Siphesihle Mkhize and Duncan Adonis are in the middle of the park, assisted by Luke Le Roux and Malebogo Modise and Tashreeq Matthews will call the shots on the wings.
Goals will be expected from lone striker Tyrique Bartlett.
Modise, who is the only player to have played in the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup in Korea and also featured for Bafana Bafana, will captain the squad.
“We have a big match against the giants of the game, but I believe we are up to the task. We have had good training sessions and I can only hope that the boys show on the field what we have been working on,” said Mkhalele.
“I said to them they must go out there and enjoy themselves because in this game if you don’t enjoy then you can’t perform. And also this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them because it is not everyday that you play against top footballing nations like Brazil and England. I have full confidence in them to do well.”
South Africa next plays Brazil on Monday, 4 September 2017 at Harrison Park Stadium, Leek Town in Macclesfield.
Kickoff is also at 19h00.
Here’s how they will line up:
SA U20 vs Brazil:
Phillip Lesoma (GK), Lethabo Mazibuko, Dean Solomons, Leseane Mokgopedi, Siphesihle Mkhize, Duncan Adonis, Malebogo Modise (C), Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Luke Le Roux, Tashreeq Matthews, Tyrique Bartlett
SUBS:
Glen Baadjies (GK), Swelihle Mthiyane, Bafana Tshawe, Leo Thethani, Sibusiso Shabane, Keegan Allen, Ngcebo Nala, Lyle Foster, Dylan Stoffels
Stand-in Head Coach: Helman Mkhalele