U-20s ‘will not be overawed’

Mamelodi Sundowns and national Under-20 centreback Thendo Mukumela (above), says Amajita have no fear ahead of the much-anticipated Under-20 World Cup in South Korea starting this weekend with numerous players in the squad having played in a competition of this magnitude before.

Mukumela, together with Mondli Mpoto, Kobamelo Kodisang, Sibongakonke Mbatha, Wiseman Meyiwa, Khulekani Khubeka and Sanele Tshabalala, were part of the SA Under-17 team at the Under-17 World Cup in Chile under Molefi Ntseki and they are now part of Thabo Senong’s team that will represent the country.

“We have been there before and are humbled by the fact that we have the chance to once again represent our country at the biggest football tournament. We will not be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the World Cup,” he said.

“In all honesty, we were intimidated by the big stage in 2015, and we made silly mistakes in our matches which saw us exit the tournament in the group stages.

“Now we know what we need to do. We know our strengths and we are working on our weaknesses. We have a very strong squad and our technical and management teams are very experienced because they have walked this journey with us,” he added.

They play their first group stage match against Asian Champions Japan at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on Sunday.