Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
‘Once in a lifetime’ chance for Amajita to make cup history
South Africa always capable of something special, says U20 star Jordan
LIAM Jordan rushed to his room and immediately reached for his cellphone. He had just finished training at the Sporting Lisbon Academy facility in Alcochete, Portugal.
The 18-year-old South African midfielder was eager to find out who Amajita had drawn at the Under-20 Fifa World Cup in South Korea in two months’ time.
“The draw is always highly anticipated by all countries involved,” said Jordan. “You want to play challenging opposition for the experience, but in the same breath we also want to play opposition we’re confident we can beat.”
The results revealed that Amajita were drawn in Group D with Japan, Italy and Uruguay.
Jordan is relishing the battle: “As a team and a country, we’re confident against whoever we face. So this group is perfect for us.”
It will be the first time in eight years that a South African U20 team have qualified for a World Cup. Amajita reached the Last 16 stage in their last appearance at the tournament in 2009.
“Our goal is to not only make it to the last eight, but to do so by playing entertaining football. We’ve just given ourselves the chance to show the world how we play football, so we need to take the opportunity with both hands,” said Jordan.
South Africa’s first challenge is against Japan on May 21. Jordan knows Amajita has their work cut out for them, but he fancies their chances.
“Having played in Japan at a young age in tournaments, I know what the Japanese are capable of. They’re the dark horses of our group for sure,” he said.
“Technically sound, all on the same page, Japan will be a team to watch out for. Obviously Uruguay will also be tough, because again the players will be gifted.”
The tournament is an opportunity for Jordan to test himself against the best young players in the world.
“An U20 World Cup is one tournament you go through once in your lifetime. There are some who are fortunate if they can experience two,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious competition.”
Amajita finished fourth at the African U20 Cup of Nations (Afcon) last month, but Jordan believes they are capable of making history in South Korea.
“South African teams will always be capable of doing something special if we put our mind to it and want it bad enough. We’re good enough to make this tournament whatever we want it to be, special or just another experience. It’s in our hands,” he said.
“Having had the experience of training and playing in Europe before Afcon, it opened my mind to another side of football.” SIYABONGA Hopewell never thought he would board a plane in his life, especially for something he is passionate about.
Hopewell, 21, a plumber from Athlone, is among eight young people who will fly to Dubai in October to represent the country in their various professions at an international skills competition.
Young professionals from 72 countries will showcase their skills at the three-day competition.
Sixteen young people won medals in the national leg of the world skills competition in Durban last month.
The competition recognises excellence in technical expertise in careers such as electrical work, bricklaying, plumbing, car body repair, graphic design, restaurant service, IT system administration, IT network solutions, hairdressing, computer numerical control (CNC), turning and beauty therapy.
The students hail come from institutions such as Northlink TVET College, College of Cape Town, False Bay TVET College, International Hotel School, NX Hair Academy and 124 Wireless.
Hopewell said he had chosen to study plumbing as a trade at the Northlink College campus in Belhar because he was curious about pipes and the drainage system.
“I’m very happy to have made my parents proud. I’m happy that I can see I’m excelling in something I’m passionate about. I never thought my career would send me overseas,” he said.
Insaan Claasen, 19, an IT specialist from Athlone, commended the competition and said it provided opportunities for young professionals.
He said the trip would also help them consolidate their CVs.
MEC of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde congratulated the gold medalists.
“The winners of the competition will represent their institutions and communities on the international stage. It is important to celebrate their achievements.”