Amajita earmarked for Olympic Games, World Cup

South Africa’s Amajita Stars have been assigned participating at the 2012 London Olympic Games and 2014 World Cup which will be hosted by Brazil. The South Africa U-20 Coach Letsoaka Serame said on Wednesday that his side had gone beyond expectations.

Friday, January 30, 2009
FOR THE FUTURE: South Africau2019s U-20 side before their AYC opening match against Ivory Coast.

South Africa’s Amajita Stars have been assigned participating at the 2012 London Olympic Games and 2014 World Cup which will be hosted by Brazil.

The South Africa U-20 Coach Letsoaka Serame said on Wednesday that his side had gone beyond expectations.

"Our objective was to play in the Fifa World Youth Championship in Egypt which we got. I would however, like to stress that this side is still young.

"We can be confident of fielding this same team in the Olympics in 2012 London Games and World Cup 2014 (in Brazil),” Serame said after Wednesday’s semifinal defeat to Ghana.

Serame further added that he was satisfied with his team’s performance although they didn’t play their usual football.

"We were never consistent in our game and wasted many chances but Ghana is a good side and we wish them well,” Serame added.

South Africa lost 4-3 to Ghana in a pulsating African Youth Championships semifinal on Wednesday.

The Black Satellites appeared to be cruising at 4-1, but two late goals set up a grandstand finish in the pouring rain. Tried as they might, Amajita could not force an equalizer though.

Dominic Adiyiah put Ghana ahead on 26th minute and when Ransford Osei made it 2-0 just before halftime, the West Africans were cruising.

Phumelele Bhengu pulled one back for Amajita on 63rd minute, but Ghana’s two-goal lead was restored soon afterwards through Dede Ayew.

The score became 4-1 when Osei netted his second, but goal from Thulani Serero and a Bhengu penalty gave the South African hope.

What Amajita have to look forward to win the third-place play-off against Nigeria on Saturday.

Ends