Bafana Bafana coach challenges Amajita to step up and earn senior call-ups — ‘Everything starts now, you’re at a crossroads'

South Africa’s Under-20 national team, led by coach Raymond Mdaka, made history by winning their first-ever junior continental title, surpassing their previous best finish as runners-up.

This victory has earned them a spot at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup set to take place in Chile.

Their remarkable performance showcased growth, resilience, and talent that have excited the entire nation.

Upon their arrival back home, they received a warm welcome from Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who was present at the airport.

Broos congratulated the players and staff, commending their historic achievement.

He also offered a heartfelt challenge, encouraging the youngsters to stay grounded and focused.

The Belgian tactician expressed his hope of seeing many of them graduate to the senior national team in the coming year.

Broos emphasised that while the win is special, their real journey as professional footballers is just beginning.

“First of all, I’d like to congratulate coach Raymond for the fantastic job he did in the last two, three weeks it was nice to see,” said Broos as reported by iDiski Times.

“I followed every game, and I have to congratulate you, coach, first of all, for the motivation you did in that team. When you saw them playing, they were motivated, they wanted to do a big result.

“I say congratulations for the tactical moves you had, for the fantastic mentality that showed on the field. I think you did a very great job to bring this trophy here to South Africa.”

“I also have to congratulate the team, and you know, guys, achieving the top is easy, but staying on the top it’s so much more difficult,” he continued.

“Everything starts now for you. You are at a crossroads. If you take the right direction, I’ll be seeing you back next year in Bafana Bafana in big stadiums here in South Africa, or maybe abroad.

“Or you can take the other way, and that’s the wrong way. You’ve got every opportunity to have a nice life for the next 10, 12 years as a professional football player and believe me, it’s the nicest profession you can imagine.

“But you still have to work very hard in the next months. I hope you guys take the right lifestyle this very important to achieve.”

South African football is witnessing a promising resurgence.

The Under-17 team has also secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup, underlining strong youth development.

Bafana Bafana are on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Additionally, they have reached the final phase of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), showing consistency across age groups and competitions.

With momentum building across the board, the future of South African football looks brighter than it has in years.

Bafana Bafana will continue their preparations with friendly matches scheduled for June.

They are set to face Tanzania and Namibia, fixtures that will help assess squad depth and readiness.

These games will also serve as a platform for emerging talent to make their mark.