Malepe and Mahlambi to boost Amajita
SA coach Thabo Senong is expected to start the Afcon Under-20 clash against Senegal on Thursday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, with captain Tercious Malepe and midfielder Phakamani Mahlambi.
Malepe missed the 3-1 win over Cameroon on Tuesday because of injury.
Mahlambi arrived late in Zambia after a club versus country dispute with Wits.
Victory for Amajita will ensure a place in the next stage of the tournament and also qualification to the Fifa Under-20 World Cup to be held in South Korea later in 2017.
Senong said the availability of Malepe and Mahlambi is a timely boost and gives the technical team a chance to field their best possible starting 11.
“Malepe is our captain and leader of the team. Mahlambi is a senior player in the team‚ so we are happy that all 21 players are available,” Senong said.
To be able to beat Senegal‚ Senong said they were working on the psychology of the players following the convincing 3-1 win over Cameroon.
“We are trying to work on the players to remain in the performance zone because it is easy for young players to be in the comfort zone after a win like that against Cameroon. We are giving them feedback and making sure they stay motivated.
“The next match is going to be the toughest of the group because we are playing Senegal, who dropped two points against Sudan. They will do anything to come back in the tournament.”
Midfielder Sibongakonke Mbatha said that the squad did not want to go into the last match having to win to advance.