Amajimbos head coach Vela Khumalo has reacted to his side’s U17 FIFA World Cup win over Bolivia saying he’s pleased with the results considering they played majority of the game with a man down.
South Africa enjoyed a historic 3-1 victory in their opening Group A match in Qatar on Monday. Emile Witbooi, Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els were on the score sheet to help Amajimbos to the top of the group ahead of Italy who defeated the host nation 1-0 in the alternative fixture.
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Khumalo said to start the match on the back foot was a learning curve and he is pleased his charges adjusted to new tactics after Sive Pama was sent off.
“It’s World Cup it’s the biggest stage ever nothing is more important than this,” said Khumalo.
“You cannot take the stage for granted. We are also learning but it’s a good learning curve. You start with one man down it’s even doubling up. So, it’s a good stage for youth. I think all of us, we are learning, but I’m very happy with the results and how we worked out our tactical change that we had to make because of one man down.”
Amajimbos play Qatar on Thursday and Khumalo wants a swift recovery from his charges because of what’s at stake and his expectation of tougher conditions against the host nation.
“Like I said, I so wish that we can get a good recovery from our medical side,” added Khumalo.
“And obviously this is going to affect us and moreover that we are playing against the host. It is going to be all odds against us, but we need to manage that. And hopefully, we’re going to win the game and just get six points so that we can qualify for the next stage.”
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