AFTER Amajita’s dismal performance in the last edition of the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in 2015, they hope to at least reach the semifinals this year.
South Africa bombed out of the group stages having won one match after they had triumphed at the Commonwealth of Independent States Cup in Russia a few months before the tournament.
It is expected that graduates from the Amajimbos squad that went to the 2015 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Chile who are likely to make coach Thabo Senong’s final squad to Zambia, will bring needed experience to help South Africa have a better tournament.
Amajimbos finished second in Africa to qualify for the World Cup, and Senong’s side will have to finish in the top three of the Under-20 Afcon to qualify for the Under-20 World Cup in Korea in May.
Amajita are in Group B of the competition, which runs from 26 February to 12 March, with Senegal, Sudan and Cameroon, while the hosts Zambia face Mali, Guinea and Egypt in Group A.
SuperSport United striker, Khanyisa Mayo believes the experience gained in Chile will go a long way to help Mzansi do well at the continental competition.
Mayo said he hoped to make the final squad.
Senong will today announce a 28-man-squad to start with the preparation for the tournament, beginning with their first camp on Sunday.
Said Mayo: “I am still working on my fitness. If I can get my fitness and scoring form again, I can go to the Under-20s ready.
“The previous Under-20 team didn’t qualify for the World Cup. I think we have a much better squad this year.
“I think coach Thabo will come with better tactics and that we will understand each other’s role and become a better team and advance to the qualifiers for the World Cup,” Mayo added.
“I was the leading goal scorer in the Under-17s and gained a lot of experiences in the Caf and other tournaments. We can use that experience in the Under-20s.”
