29 April 2019 – South Africa’s National Under-20 (Amajita) side arrived safely in Poznan, Poland on Sunday, 27 April following a 22-hour trip which involved two connecting flights from Abha, Saudi Arabia to Poland.
Amajita will be based in this town leading up to their friendly match against Ukraine on 18 April before the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup kicks off in Poland.
Amajita coach Thabo Senong said he was pleased with how they started off with their World Cup preparations, adding that the two friendly matches they played against Saudi Arabia on 23 and 26 April; gave him the needed information on which areas they still need to improve on leading up to the world footballing event.
In the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Amajita are pitted in Group F alongside Argentina, Korea Republic and Portugal.
The FIFA U-20 World will run from 23 May to 15 June.
“We had a very good preparation phase in Saudi Arabia,” Senong said. “We played against a side which enjoys dominating the ball, which was a very good test for us.
“Sure we won our second friendly match against them (2-1) after having suffered a defeat in the first (1-0). However, our main objective was to give as many players as possible a run and see what they could offer the team moving forward. And I am just happy that we were able to do just that.”
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Glen Baadjies joined the national juniors on Sunday morning to add to the two goalkeepers in the Amajita’s goalkeeping department.
Senong said he was expecting more players to report for camp by the end of this month.
“Luvuyo Phewa and Kobamelo Kodisang will join us possibly on 29 April, while Sibusiso Mabiliso is expected to report for camp later as well. We are looking forward to having these in camp.”