Amajita defender Matthew Palmer who is one of the members of the squad based in Europe says the meteoric rise of Mbekezeli Mbokazi serves as a major inspiration.
The teenager, a product of the Ubuntu Football Academy in Cape Town is currently on the books of Croatian top-flight side NK Slaven Belupo.
While there’s high hopes for the promising defender, as the next left-footed centre-back in the squad, where the likes of Mbokazi starred before his swift promotion to Orlando Pirates first team, Bafana Bafana and then Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.
“I’ve been watching him [Mbokazi] in the World Cup and AFCON, he’s been a great player, a great inspiration to us as youngsters, so we can take a lot of points from him and learn a lot of things from him,” Palmer said.
Palmer also emphasied how important the upcoming 2026 Cosafa Cup Championship is, as they look to defend their title in Mozambique.
“Being with the U20s is a privilege you know, I give thanks yo God for this opportunity to showcase my talents and everything, to put myself out there so everyone can see me,” he added about his first national team call-up to the U20s.
“It’s a very important tournament, we need to or all in. Put all the hard work in, win the tournament and go to AFCON again to represent our country well.”
The tournament will see 12 teams from September 18-27, with regional honours and two places at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana next year on offer.