21 April 2024 – The South African U17 Men’s National Team (Amajimbos), arrived in Cali, Colombia in good spirits on Sunday, afternoon after many delays in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Amajimbos have travelled to Colombia to play two international friendly matches against the junior Los Cafeteros, as they build on their experience and international exposure ahead of the COSAFA/AFCON qualifiers later this year.
The South African junior team left South Africa on Friday, 19 April 2024, and were scheduled to play their first international friendly match today (Sunday, 21 April 2024) however; due to the delays encountered in Brazil, the two nations have agreed to move the first match to Monday, 22 April 2024 at 15h00 out in the town of Palmira.
The second match will still take place as scheduled on Wednesday, 24 April 2024.
“The team has been well received in the magnificent town of Palmira, and have settled quiet well despite the logistical challenges encountered”; said SAFA Technical Director Walter Steenbok, who travelled with the team.
“We will alter our daily routine in camp to afford the players the necessary time to recuperate and rehydrate, given the taxing travelling schedule and limited rest days before matches.
We are looking forward to playing at this level against a formidable opponent (Colombia U-17) who understands the playing conditions better and eager to test themselves against our South African style of intricate passing, dynamic movements and tactical freedom.
We are happy that the boys showed resilience and stayed focused on what the purpose of the journey is;” continued Steenbok.
“We are very grateful to the Federacion Colombiana de Futbol (CFC), its President and Director of National Teams, Mr. Ivan Novella , for this invitation that fosters unity, sporting and cultural exchange and football development.
This partnership will cement a strong bond between CFC and SAFA, as they entrench their football emancipation agenda in their respective member associations;” said Steenbok.