Mkhuma promises he will do his level best to make the cut

Mamelodi Sundowns’ reserves and national Under-20 striker Promise Mkhuma (right) says they will have to work very hard this week ahead of their Caf Under-20 African Youth Championship qualifying match against Mozambique in Beira on Saturday.

Thabo Senong’s charges assembled for camp on Sunday to prepare for the first leg of the second round of the qualifiers.

“There is a lot of work that needs to be done at training,” said the Downs youngster. “Everybody who has been called up knows how important this game is. What makes it more important is that it is an away game, meaning we have to work extra hard for victory.”

“The previous Under-20 team qualified for this competition and they even went to qualify for the World Cup. This means we also need to step up and take over from where they left off. But I believe there is a lot of quality in the squad and we can make it.”

Mkhuma, who has been in scintillating form for the Downs reserves under the watchful eye of head coach David Notoane, is eager to help the club qualify for the Caf African Youth Championships. However, the striker says he firstly needs to make sure that he makes the cut for the squad that will travel to the neighbouring country, with Senong expected to trim the numbers from 28 to 21.

“I am excited to be part of the camp, it is a good experience for every player to be part of their national team as it helps one to grow as a player and learn new things. I am looking forward to helping the team qualify for the competition, but I will have to impress the coaches and show what I can bring to the team,” he added.

“There are many of us in camp, so this means every player will be fighting to make the final squad that will be travelling to Mozambique. I just hope I will be one of those players so that I can contribute to the success of the team.”

The return leg of this tie will be played on Sunday, May 20 at a venue yet to be confirmed by the South African Football Association.