Amajimbos, the nickname for the South Africa National Under-17 Men’s Football Team, represents the country’s youngest national football squad. Managed by the South African Football Association (SAFA), Amajimbos plays a vital role in identifying and grooming future stars for the senior national team, Bafana Bafana.
Formed: 1993
Purpose:
Compete in the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-17 World Cup
Serve as a development pathway to Bafana Bafana
Expose young players to international competition and technical development
Duncan Crowie (as of 2023/2024 cycles)
Molefi Ntseki (Led the team during their successful 2015 U-17 AFCON and World Cup campaign)
Sam Mbatha
Vela Khumalo
Africa U-17 Cup of Nations:
2015 (Niger) – 🥈 Second Place (Runners-up)
FIFA U-17 World Cup:
2015 (Chile) – Qualified and competed (Group Stage)
FIFA U-16 Talent Development Scheme Tournament:
2024 (Ivory Coast) – Invited team
2 wins, 1 loss
1993: Team officially formed as part of SAFA’s long-term player development strategy.
2015:
Finished 2nd at the African U-17 Championship in Niger.
Qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile – first appearance on the global stage.
2024:
Participated in the FIFA U-16 Talent Development Tournament in Ivory Coast.
Recorded 2 wins and 1 loss, showcasing the depth of future talent.
Identify top young talent through regional and national youth leagues.
Provide international match exposure at an early age.
Ensure long-term continuity for national teams by feeding players into the U-20, U-23, and eventually senior national team (Bafana Bafana).
Several players who came through the U-17 system have gone on to represent Bafana Bafana and top professional clubs:
Teboho Mokoena – Midfield powerhouse
Percy Tau – Former U-17 standout and current national team star
Aphiwe Msimango – Solid defender rising through the national ranks
Luther Singh – Featured prominently at youth level before joining the U-20 and senior setups
Amajimbos plays a crucial developmental role in South African football. By participating in continental and global youth competitions, the team ensures:
Early scouting and nurturing of elite talent
Technical and tactical growth aligned with SAFA’s long-term plan
A continuous pipeline into higher levels of national football
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