Goal of getting to Peru closer

South Africa are a step closer to qualifying for the 2019 African U17 Championships and their ultimate goal of the Fifa U17 World Cup in Peru next year‚ but face a difficult next hurdle on Friday.

Amajimbos face hosts Mauritius in the semifinals of the Cosafa U17 Championships, and need to lift the trophy if they are to qualify for the continental finals in Tanzania next year.

Mauritius beat coach Molefi Ntseki’s side 2-0 at the semifinal stage last year‚ so there will be an element of revenge in the minds of the South Africans‚ as 2016 winners Namibia and the impressive Angolans do battle in the second Last 4 match.

“We came in with the objective of winning the tournament and we are now in the semifinals against Mauritius on Friday‚” goalkeeper and captain Constandino Christodoulou said.

“We are one step closer to reaching Tanzania and ultimately Peru in the 2019 World Cup.”

Christodoulou is one of five players in the squad who competed in the Cosafa tournament last year‚ where South Africa finished fourth.

He said there has been an improved level in 2018.

“The standard has been very high. Lesotho was a tough‚ tough match, and we drew 0-0‚” he said.

Against Mozambique [4-1] and Zambia [2-1] we managed to turn the tables.

“After the draw [with Lesotho] the spirits were definitely down in the camp. However, coach Molefe and his technical team did very well to get us motivated again.”

Mauritius‚ who finished second in their Group A behind Namibia but qualified as the best runner-up‚ will be buoyed by their good fortune and homeground advantage.

“We played against them last year in the semifinals and lost 20,” said Christodoulou.

“We weren’t happy at all [with that result]. However, this year we have come here with the clear objective of winning the tournament.”

Christodoulou admitted that they do feel the weight of expectation as other national teams have been qualifying for major finals and they don’t want to miss out.

“The U17 girls have qualified for their World Cup‚ the U20 boys have just qualified for the Afcon‚ Banyana Banyana have just qualified for their Afcon‚ so it is all up to us.

“We have prepared‚ we have come here ready and a clear mind-set.

“We are a team that is working together and that is working for our country,” said Christodoulou.