Amajimbos grateful for Lesotho trip, says Ntseki

SA U-17 team invited to a four-nations tournament

South African Under-17 coach Molefi Ntseki has praised neighbours Lesotho for inviting Amajimbos to take part in a four-nations tournament that starts from tomorrow until Sunday in Maseru.

Ntseki, who will take a team comprised of entirely school children, said his intention was not about winning.

“This is the first time most of these boys will be out of South Africa. This tournament will give them a priceless international exposure,” said Ntseki.

The tournament won’t have prize money or positions and all teams will play three games each.

Ntseki said because little was happening within the Under-17 on the continent, the Lesotho tournament was a welcome gesture.

“All of our boys are school-going players and I really want to thank Lesotho for putting up such a tournament for the development squad.

“Fortunately, we selected our team during the Copa Coca-Cola Schools tournament this year. We sent scouts around the country to monitor the tournament and I am happy we managed to come up with what I think is the future,” Ntseki said.

He said the country should look at the bigger picture because most of these players were emerging talent. “We don’t want these boys to have a culture shock when they go for a proper tournament and this could not have come at a better time.”

Safa president Danny Jordaan visited the team at the weekend to wish them well before leaving for Maseru tomorrow.