The Buccaneers’ pursuit of the South African teen sensation has been complicated by interest from one of Europe’s biggest powerhouses. Cape Town City chairman John Comitis has confirmed that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have invited the teenage playmaker for a trial as his stock continues to rise.
South African football could be on the verge of producing another exciting European export, with the City starlet attracting interest from several clubs abroad. The 18-year-old has become one of the most talked-about prospects in the country after his performances on the international stage caught the eye of scouts worldwide.
The next generation of global superstars is heading to Qatar! From the shock absence of defending champions Portugal to the return of heavyweights like Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup groups, dates, and venues.
Despite trailing at the interval, Vela Khumalo’s youngsters showed immense character to turn the game around to secure a vital three points against one of the tournament favourites in a challenging Group D.
Chelsea’s ownership group has reportedly beaten Manchester United and Manchester City in the chase for Mohamed Zongo, one of Africa’s most exciting young footballers, with the Burkina Faso midfielder set to join Strasbourg in 2027 when he turns 18. The deal, agreed with Sporting Football des Cascades Tenakourou, marks the latest step in Chelsea’s long-term recruitment project, which has increasingly focused on identifying global talent years before they reach senior breakout status.
Portugal secured their first-ever Under-17 World Cup title courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Austria in the final in Qatar on Thursday and Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the greatest Portuguese player of all time was first in line to offer his congratulations with a simple but very effective message to his huge audience of 668 million followers on Instagram.
Manchester City and Manchester United have entered a fierce battle to sign Burkina Faso sensation Mohamed Zongo, the 15-year-old attacking midfielder who dazzled at the U17 World Cup. Both clubs have already held talks with the Tenakourou Academy as Europe’s elite begin circling for a prodigy who produced goals, assists and man-of-the-match displays to lead Burkina Faso to the quarter-finals.
England have been eliminated from the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in spectacular fashion, losing 4-0 against Austria in the round of 16. Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez's red card shortly after the Young Lions fell behind early in the second half proved to be a crucial moment, with Austria eventually going on to run up the score-line in the latter stages of the knockout tie.
The South African men’s senior national team took things to the next level over the past weekend, defeating Zambia 3–1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in a friendly encounter. Courtesy of goals from Oswin Appolis, Mohau Nkota, and Sphephelo Sithole sealed an impressive outing — a performance that left most of the home crowd happy and eager for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
However, for the man at the helm, there remains room for improvement within the squad he will take to the prestigious competition. This leaves him with a selection dilemma: having to drop some players while entrusting others to rise to the challenge.
Reigan Heskey, the son of former Liverpool and England legend Emile, has overtaken Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho with his goals at the Under-17 World Cup. England secured their spot in the last 32 in Qatar as they finished second to Venezuela in Group E. The Young Lions then eased into the last 16 of the tournament as they got the better of South Korea on Saturday.
Although the goalkeeper rose to the occasion when he was needed most, he could not proceed as he was injured minutes into the second half. After fighting hard to keep the Japanese at bay in the first half, Amajimbos fell early in the second half when they conceded the goals. Despite the result, the youngsters managed to create a sense of national pride after advancing to the knockout stage of the global competition for the first time in their history.
GOAL gives you the details to follow Amajimbos' clash with the Samurai Blue in a Round of 32 match at Aspire Zone Pitch 3 on Saturday. This is the first time South Africa have reached the knockouts of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and they are hoping to further progress in this tournament.
The United States saw their FIFA U17 World Cup run end in the Round of 32 after a dramatic 1-1 draw and a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco. Jude Terry’s early strike had the Americans in control for much of the match, but Abdellah Ouazane’s 90th-minute equalizer forced the shootout that ultimately sealed their exit.
The FIFA U17 World Cup Round of 32 delivers a clash of destiny: Japan’s precision and tactical mastery against South Africa’s fearless Amajimbos, who have already made history by reaching the knockouts for the first time. With Vela Khumalo’s side brimming with belief and Japan chasing consistency, this duel promises drama, skill, and a legacy beyond the scoreline.
From Cavan Sullivan exceeding expectations to a quietly solid back line, GOAL breaks down five key takeaways on the U.S. U17s ahead of their World Cup clash with Morocco.
We sat down with the former Orlando Pirates midfielder and now U19 coach at AmaZulu to get his views on the the Amajimbos attacking midfielder and his future in the game.
Mathis Albert made history for the U.S. U-17s, firing a decisive 39th-minute strike to seal a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic and a perfect group-stage record - the first in program history. The victory at ASPIRE Academy in Doha capped three straight wins in Group F, sending the Americans into the knockout rounds with maximum points.
The starlet, who left the Amakhosi youth development academy to join Swedish top-tier side Hammarby IF and returned in July, has missed the global showpiece. It has now been revealed that he failed an age test, and that is why he is not part of the junior side in Qatar. Khumalo has stated that although Mendes is not part of his squad, they remained focused and soldiered on.
South Africa is entering a Golden Era as they prepare to participate in the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup after a long barren spell of failures and disappointments. With Banyana Banyana and Amajita winning silverware, and Amajimbos showing promise and the PSL title race tightening up, it's easy to get excited about local soccer right now.
The teenager is one of the most talented youngsters in Mzansi with a bright future. The 17-year-old's abilities have in the past attracted some top teams like the Premier Soccer League's Soweto giants Amakhosi, as well as the English Premier League heavyweights, the Blues, who are known for their appetite for fine players.
England beat Egypt 3-0 on Monday at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar to seal second place in their group and secure safe passage into the round of 32. Manchester City star Heskey was once again on song for the Young Lions, scoring twice goals, although he passed up the chance for a hat-trick in the second half when a penalty was comfortably saved by Egypt's goalkeeper.
England's Young Lions needed just 14 minutes to open the scoring against Egypt at the Under-17 World Cup on Monday in Qatar. Manchester City star Reigan Heskey broke the deadlock with an excellent solo goal to give his team a great start to the match. His strike continued some fine form for the forward who played a key role last time out against Haiti as England won for the first time at the tournament.
Mzansi are through to the knockouts, but it came down to the wire on Sunday, 9 November. Despite falling 3-1 to Italy, South Africa clinched second place in Group A after Bolivia and Qatar played out a goalless draw. With four points in the bag, Vela Khumalo’s side live to fight another day.
The U.S. booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup after Cavan Sullivan’s calmly taken second-half penalty secured a 2-1 win over Tajikistan on Saturday in Qatar. The Union prodigy showed composure beyond his years with the spot kick, scoring with a panenka, capping a resilient display as the Americans overturned an early deficit to claim their second straight victory.
Manchester City starlet Reigan Heskey, the son of former Liverpool striker Emile, helped to give England lift-off in their U17 World Cup campaign as he inspired an 8-1 victory over Haiti. Having lost their opening game of the tournament in Qatar, the Young Lions knew that three points were imperative in their second Group E fixture. Neil Ryan's side ultimately eased over that line.
Rising star Cavan Sullivan came off the bench for the U.S. in Wednesday's U17 World Cup opener, but the Philadelphia Union attacker made the difference in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso. His late goal sealed three points for the U.S. as they began the tournament in Qatar. Sullivan was tossed into the fray with the game scoreless in the 62nd minute.
In the last couple of years, Mzansi football has been growing to great heights, starting from the Premier Soccer League all the way to the national team for both men and women. The government, through the Ministry of Sports, has awarded the players for what they have achieved in the recent past across all competitions.
England have been left licking their wounds after opening the 2025 Under-17 World Cup in Qatar with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Venezuela. A previous generation of Young Lions including Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho lifted the trophy in 2017, but this team lacked a ruthless edge as two quickfire Venezuela goals from captain Roman Davis and Dioner Fuentes near the end of the first half killed England, before a late third from substitute Eider Barrios.
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