Assembling a competitive team on short notice is never easy, but Raymond Mdaka managed to do just that for the Amajita squad.
Despite facing several challenges, including the absence of key players, he led the South African Under-20 team to victory in the 2024 COSAFA Championship.
After an intense final, where Amajita triumphed 2-0 over Zambia in Matola, Mozambique, Mdaka reflected on the hard work and planning that went into creating a winning squad.
Dominance on the Field
The Amajita didn’t just win; they dominated the entire tournament.
Remaining undefeated, they netted an incredible 16 goals while maintaining a flawless defense, not conceding a single goal.
Their performance earned them high praise from football fans and set the stage for more success in the future.
By reaching the finals, the team also secured a spot in the CAF 2025 AFCON tournament, a significant stepping stone towards qualifying for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile next year.
The Key to Success: Planning and Persistence
Raymond Mdaka opened up about how his journey with Amajita began.
The process, according to Mdaka, started back in March with their first camp, where they began scouting and developing the players.
“It’s easy to see the results now, but everything started months ago,” Mdaka shared.
The team’s preparation included a series of friendly games against Lesotho, which allowed them to evaluate and refine their tactics, despite not having all the players they wanted.
Missing Stars, But No Excuses
A significant challenge Mdaka faced was the absence of some key players.
Notable talents like Asekho Tiwani from Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs’ rising star Mfundo Vilakazi, and Stellenbosch FC’s Langelihle Phili were unavailable.
Despite these setbacks, Mdaka remained committed to his strategy and kept a close watch on his squad’s progress throughout the preparation period.
“We kept monitoring the players after they returned to their clubs and continued to work with those available.
It’s a process,” he explained, adding that understanding how to navigate these challenges was crucial in putting together a competitive team.
Overcoming Obstacles
Mdaka also touched on the specific hurdles they encountered, particularly with player availability.
Since the tournament didn’t fall within the official FIFA calendar, many players were tied up with their Premier Soccer League (PSL) commitments.
This limited his choices, but the technical team adapted and pushed forward with the players they had.
“The timing was tricky because a lot of PSL teams were busy.
But as a technical team, we understood that and worked with what we had,” Mdaka said.
What’s Next for Amajita?
With their COSAFA triumph in hand, Amajita now sets their sights on the next challenge—the CAF 2025 AFCON tournament.
Success there could see them qualifying for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile, a massive opportunity for the young South African squad.
Raymond Mdaka’s leadership and vision have already paid off, and football fans across the country will be watching closely to see what this talented group can achieve next.