Cape Town City midfielder Gabriel Amato has opened up on the disappointment of missing out on South Africa’s U20 set-up despite previously starring for the national U17 side.
Amato was part of the South African U17 set-up and had continued to make progress through the national team pathway but found himself on the outside looking in when the U20 squad was assembled.
The midfielder was competing for places in a talented generation that went on to enjoy a memorable run at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations before reaching the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Lazola Maku, Gomolemo Kekana and Patrick Autata formed the midfield core of that successful U20 side, with the trio retaining their places for the World Cup campaign.
For Amato, missing out was naturally frustrating, but he has chosen to use the experience as motivation rather than allowing it to derail his development.
“For me it was frustrating on a personal level, but it’s kind of football you know, I’ve had plenty of disappointments in my short career so far, plenty of highs as well, so I just take it as a learning curve and not anything bring my game down,” Amato said.
The 2026 season has now presented the 21-year-old with another opportunity on the international stage after being brought into the South Africa U23 set-up.
Raymond Mdaka is currently performing a dual role in the national youth structures, overseeing both the U20 and U23 programmes as preparations continue for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations and a potential Olympic Games campaign.
Amato is now competing for a place in another talented midfield group, but insists the competition can only benefit the players involved.
“As long as I focus on myself and if the coach needs me, if he calls me, then I will keep grinding away on my own goals. There’s a lot of competition but it’s very good because it creates a good environment for development,” he added.
Rather than dwelling on the opportunity that passed him by at U20 level, Amato is focused on making the most of his current chance with the U23s.
“You never really at the top, you have to always be working, so it’s great, I’m enjoying the competition,” he concluded.