1 February 2023 – National under 17 coach Duncan Crowie is relishing the prospect of meeting football giants on the continent following the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations  draw that was conducted on Wednesday, 1 February 2023.

The tournament will be held in Algeria from 29 April to 19 May 2023 and South Africa were pitted against Nigeria, Morocco and Zambia in Group B. The quality of these teams has already led to observers describing it the “Group of Death”.

In Group A, hosts Algeria will play against Senegal, Congo and Somali while Group C consists of Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso and South Sudan.

Speaking after the draw, Crowie said players actually relish playing against the best teams.

‘’Yes, it is definitely the Group of Death and that is what soccer is all about, players would like to play against the top teams and here they have been presented with a great opportunity to play against top countries as far as soccer is concerned on the continent.

‘’And if we make it out of this group and we qualify for the semi-finals, then we deserve to play in the FIFA World Cup because we will have played and beaten the best teams on the continent,’’ said Crowie.

He said he was looking forward to the tournament, adding that it was imperative to have thorough preparations leading up to the event.