Latest news with #Under-20AfricaCupofNations
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Smythe-Lowe not in a hurry to move to greener pastures after success with Amajita at Under -20 Afcon
Fletcher Smythe-Lowe of Amajita was awarded the honour of Goalkeeper of the Tournament for the recently concluded Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo Itumeleng English Image: Itumeleng English Amid roaring cheers and a sea of jubilant supporters at OR Tambo International Airport, Fletcher Smythe-Lowe returned home as one of Amajita's standout heroes from the recent Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Fresh off a stellar campaign in Egypt, the 18-year-old goalkeeper didn't just help South Africa lift the trophy — he also earned the prestigious Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, underlining his growing reputation as one of the country's brightest young talents. Calm, composed and mature beyond his years, Smythe-Lowe took a moment during the media frenzy to reflect on his journey, his performance, and the road still ahead. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The 18-year-old was at his best for South African U20 men's national team, keeping four clean sheets across seven matches. His performances were particularly commendable during the knockout stage, where he did not concede a single goal in three consecutive 1-0 victories. Smythe-Lowe also claimed the Player of the Match award in the final against Morocco, thanks to a series of nail-biting saves and an assist for Gomolemo Kekana's solo goal. His overall display endeared him to football fans both at home and abroad, with many raving about his performances. However, Smythe-Lowe's journey could have taken a different path were it not for the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced him and his family to take a repatriation flight to Portugal after his mother took a sabbatical. 'When I left, I wasn't thinking about professional football, but what was best for me and my family,' Smythe-Lowe said. 'But obviously, when you put in the work and stay consistent, opportunities will come. So I didn't really have that in mind.' [WATCH] #U20AFCON goalkeeper of the tournament Fletcher Smythe-Lowe tells Newzroom Afrika's @vuyo_macoba that it's a great honour to be compared to the likes of Ronwen Williams. #Amajita — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 20, 2025 His performances in Egypt during Afcon brought him closer to the game than ever before, but also exposed him to the harsh demands of professional football. 'It definitely made me fall in love with football, but it also showed me how rigorous it can be,' Smythe-Lowe admitted. 'Seven games — the most in a tournament — over three weeks, with a match every three days, was no easy feat. It's almost impossible to do what we did. But it speaks volumes that everyone—from the players, coaching staff, to the personnel behind the scenes, who don't usually get credit—put in an incredible effort.' Smythe-Lowe revealed that he had not yet received any offers from South African or European-based clubs following his exploits in Egypt. However, that may not remain the case for long. His performances have left such a lasting impression that many tip him to be among the first names on the squad list for the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile. He is not taking anything for granted, though, and plans to rest for the next two weeks before beginning pre-season training with Estoril Praia U19s in Portugal. From early days to glory days. 🌟 Fletcher Lowe & Lee Ahshene, the journey continues. 🇿🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 — CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 15, 2025 'What I need to do now is go back home to Portugal, keep working hard and earn a place to play in the World Cup — even if I am the Goalkeeper of the Tournament,' he said. 'It's amazing to be named the best goalkeeper at Afcon — not only for me, but for the team, the fans, and everyone involved. But you have to earn the privilege to play in the World Cup. 'So, I think it's very important for me to stay focused, work hard, remain humble and dedicated. I must continue putting effort into my game.' Smythe-Lowe began his football journey at Ubuntu Cape Town and is a staunch Kaizer Chiefs supporter. He looks up to Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune, but is not under pressure to follow in his footsteps — or to join other local giants like Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns, or even European heavyweights — just yet. 'It's always a possibility to play in the PSL,' he said. 'But like I've said, it's just about working hard for now. I'm only 18 and still have many opportunities. I'll see where the future takes me.'
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Amajita's journey: What happened to South Africa's Under-20 class of 1997?
Benni has had a good career Benni McCarthy, the head coach of the Kenya national team, was a member of the South African Under-20 side that reached the final of the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 1997. Photo: Mohamed Aly/BackpagePix Image: Mohamed Aly/BackpagePix History was made on Sunday when Amajita beat Morocco 1-0 in Cairo to claim their first ever CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title. After a slow start to the tournament where they went down to the hosts in their opener, South Africa responded well to win the group. They would go on to win famously lift the title after beating Morocco in the final. The victory came 28 years after South Africa made it all the way to the final back in 1997. The team, captained by Matthew Booth, were beaten 1-0, coincidentally, by Morocco. IOL Sport takes a look back to see how the careers of the class of 1997 turned out. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Goalkeepers Wayne Robers (Cape Town Spurs) Had a good career where he went on to represent Bafana Bafana on the international stage. However, despite bucket-loads of potential, he never reached the top. Martin van der Westhuizen (Mamelodi Sundowns) Things didn't work out well for Van der Westhuizen as his career as a professional was brief. He is currently a goalkeeper coach for KOP Legends, a club based in Pretoria. Gerald Wagner (Rainbow Stars) Eastern Cape local Wagner made a name for himself in the colours of Bush Bucks. After his brief career ended, Wagner went back to university to earn a degree in business management. Defenders Japie Motale (SuperSport United) After failing to make the grade at Sundowns, Motale went on to have a very successful career in the colours of SuperSport United. He also played for the likes of Black Leopards, Maritzburg United, and Thanda Royal Zulu. He earned two international caps with Bafana Bafana Vorgen Less (Hellenic) Less played professionally for 16 years, turning out for the likes of Hellenic, Bidvest Wits and Ikapa Sporting. He finished his career playing in the United States. Given Nyedimane (Southern OFS) Not much is known about Nyedimane's career outside of the one season he spent with Bloemfontein Celtic. Ashley Makhanya (Uniao Desportivo) Now 47, Makhanya had a fruitful career as a professional, turning out for clubs such as Bidvest Wits and Santos before retiring in 2007. Speaking earlier this week about the hostility they faced ahead of the 1997 final, Makhanya said: 'Everyone kept saying, 'You are going to lose'. The chef and drivers who were nice to us – everyone changed. We tried to walk out, and it was terrible. On the day of the final, it was even worse – from the hotel to the stadium, the country was red. People were shouting at us and beating our bus.' Matthew Booth (Cape Town Spurs - captain) Booth, the captain of the team, had a very good career. After starring for Cape Town Spurs and Mamelodi Sundowns, Booth went abroad to Russia, where he spent seven years playing for FC Rostov and Krylia Sovetov. He returned to South Africa in 2009, playing a central role for Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town before hanging up his boots in the colours of Bidvest Wits. He was a member of Bafana Bafana's squad at the 2010 World Cup in the country, but was an unused substitute in all three games. Since retiring, he has become one of South Africa's most respected television pundits. Nkhiphitheni Matombo (Dynamos) Matombo featured for Manning Rangers, and was a member of South Africa's squad at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Davi Kannemeyer (Cape Town Spurs) Kannemeyer became a household name in South African football, and turned out for the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won three league titles – one with Chiefs and two with Sundowns. On the international stage, he played 15 times for Bafana Bafana. Midfielders Lucky Maselesele (School of Excellence) Maselesele spent a year in PSV's academy in the Netherlands, but returned to South Africa after struggling to settle in. After a number of years in the colours of Kaizer Chiefs, he bounced around various clubs, and saw his time with Maritzburg United after six months following a ban for failing a drugs test. He would eventually retire in 2011. After his football career ended, his life spiralled out of control, and he was beaten to death in 2021 in a mob justice incident. Patrick Mbutho (Kaizer Chiefs) Mbutho went on to represent South Africa's Under-23s at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and was a key player for Chiefs in their golden years. After leaving the club in 2003 due to discipline issues, he briefly moved on to Manning Rangers, but retired soon after. After retiring, Mbutho started losing his eyesight. Last year, it was reported that former teammate Booth made a donation to contribute to his treatment. Shane Morrison (Martzburg United) Morrison, who had captained the Under-17 side, went on to represent South Africa at Under-20 and Under-23 level. Abram Nteo (Northern Free State) Like many players in the team, Nteo went on to play for South Africa's Under-23 at the Sydney Olympics. He spent the majority of his career at Bloemfontein Celtic, and retired in 2011. Most recently, Nteo was a member of the technical team at disaster club Royal AM. Mzunani Mgwigwi (Buch Bucks) Mgwigwi's career was most spent in the colours of Bush Bucks. He is now the club's head coach in the ABC Motsepe League, and has been working to improve his technical skills in order to lead the club's revival. Moffat Mafoka (School of Excellence) Mafoka played for Kaizer Chiefs, Tembisa Classic and Benoni Premier United, but unfortunately died in 2006. Tragically, his remains had to be exhumed 15 years later after his family discovered he had been buried in the wrong grave. Manqoba Mkhize (Kaizer Chiefs) After the competition, Mkhize went on to have a successful career, playing for the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows, Silver Stars and AmaZulu. He was forced to retire at the age of 28 after a serious knee injury. Forwards Benni McCarthy (Seven Stars) Anyone heard of this guy? McCarthy had a phenomenal career. After playing the for Under-20s in 1997, he made his senior international debut the following year, and was one of Bafana Bafana's best players at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations, where he famously scored four goals against Namibia at just 17 years old. Later that year, he scored South Africa's first ever World Cup goal when he put the ball between the great Peter Schmeichel's legs in a game against Denmark that ended 2-2. On the international stage, he retired as Bafana Bafana's record goalscorer. His club career was also pretty impressive. After playing for Ajax Amsterdam and Celta Vigo, he transferred to FC Porto in Portugal in 2003, and played a key role as the Jose Mourinho-coached club won the UEFA Champions League in 2004. In his first season playing in England's Premier League, he finished second on the goalscoring chart, two goals behind Didier Drogba and one more than Cristiano Ronaldo. He eventually retired in 2013 after two years at Orlando Pirates. His coaching career has also been good. He guided Cape Town City to the MTN8 title in his first year as a coach, and led AmaZulu to their highest ever league finish in the PSL era. And after two years as a member of Erik ten Hag's backroom staff at Manchster United, McCarthy is currently the head coach of the Kenya national team. Stanton Fredericks (Wits) Stiga was entertaining to watch with the ball at his feet, and it's a pity he only played 14 times for Bafana Bafana. His career took him to countries like Switzerland, Russia and Greece, but it's in the black and gold of Amakhosi that he played his best football. Currently, he's one of South Africa's most respected football pundits. Daniel Matsau (Lorraine Lion) Another supremely talented forward who went on to play at the Sydney games. He's best remembered for his time at Kaizer Chiefs. After leaving Amakhosi in 2003, he moved on to SuperSport United, and then to Mpumalanga Black Aces, where he retired in 2009. In 2020, it was reported that the diminutive Matsau was coaching his local team in the SAB League, and was unemployed. Mohammed Bhamjee (Moroka Swallows) Bhamjee, son of legendary football administrator Abdul Bhamjee, didn't have a successful playing career. He's now one of the most accomplished youth team coach in South African football, and football coach, and currently works for Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs. Meshack Phashe (Vaal Reefs) Not much is known about Phashe's career after 1997. IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Amajita conquer Africa! South Africa's youth continue to rise to continental glory
The SA U20 national men's team won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday after beating Morocco 1-0 in the final. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The investment that has been made in the growth of South African youth football paid off on the continental stage on Sunday, as the Under-20 men's national team won the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Amajita etched their names into the record books of continental football by winning their first-ever Africa youth championship. En route to the title on Sunday night, Amajita beat Morocco 1–0 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, courtesy of a second-half goal by Gomolemo Kekana. That win means Amajita will head to the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile in September as African champions, surpassing the class of 1997 who finished as runners-up. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ South African youth football has been on the rise recently, with the Under-17 men's national team – Amajimbos – also qualifying for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in late November. This upward trajectory comes as the PSL reserve league – the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) – celebrates 10 years of existence and success. The DDC has been a breeding and nurturing ground for some of the top exports the country has ever produced, including Bafana Bafana's talisman, Percy Tau. In his U20 Afcon squad, coach Raymond Mdaka included players who are either currently playing in the reserve league or have graduated from it. Kekana and Tylon Smith, who scored the title-winning goal and won the Player of the Tournament award respectively, are on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch reserve teams, respectively. Mfundo Vilakazi, Neo Rapoo and Kutlwano Letlhaku are notable DDC graduates now playing for their respective senior teams. Speaking at his post-match press conference after the final, Mdaka heaped praise on the impact of the DDC on South African football, addressing the media including SABC Sport. 'Back home, we used to have interviews and we said the number of players that we see are playing in the DDC,' Mdaka said. 'Most of them were promoted to their senior teams after our games in Mozambique, which says a lot about the youth – we seem to be getting there as a team. 'That's the foundation of the senior national team. The U17 national team has also qualified for the World Cup.' South Africa lift the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 trophy for the first time ever 🇿🇦🏆 — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 18, 2025 Mdaka noted that the DDC has made scouting easier for him and his technical team, as the league hosts festivals across the country that are often broadcast. 'So again, we need to put more focus on development because that's what can take our football somewhere,' Mdaka said. 'We need to salute our DDC because it made it easy for us to be able to see players every weekend, going to different (venues). The country is also big, so if it wasn't for the DDC, we wouldn't see them. It was easier to follow up through the DDC. So, we salute them and say they've done a good job.' Mdaka admitted that they had to be at their best to reach the final and win it, with all their knockout-stage victories coming by narrow margins, including the final. 🏅 𝕄𝔸ℕ 𝕆𝔽 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕄𝔸𝕋ℂℍ 🏅 Amajita goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe! 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 🇿🇦 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇲🇦 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐨 🚨 LIVE 🥇 Final 📺 SABC 2 📱 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 — SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) May 18, 2025 'We always stick to what we know best, and make sure that we don't concede. Mostly, if you don't concede in a tournament, chances are you get one goal and win the game,' he added. Amajita's ascension wasn't easy, as they lost their opening game to hosts Egypt before finishing top of Group A and defeating DRC, Nigeria and Morocco to win the crown. All three knockout stage wins came via 1–0 scorelines, and Mdaka has lauded his team's defensive prowess. Fletcher Smythe-Lowe kept four clean sheets and provided an assist for Kekana's goal in the final, and was duly crowned Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Speaking to CAF TV after being named Player of the Match following the final, Smythe-Lowe reflected on what the win meant for him. 'It means a lot to not only me but the team. This award goes to the rest of the team. With only me and without them, we'd be nowhere. Together we are stronger,' Smythe-Lowe said.
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
How to watch the Under-20 Afcon final between South Africa and Morocco
Amajita's date with destiny South Africa will take on Morocco in the final of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/AFP South Africa will take on Morocco in the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco on Sunday evening. It will be South Africa's second time appearing in the final, with their first coming back in 1997, where they were beaten 1-0 by the Moroccans. So, how can South Africans watch the final? The good news is that the SABC will be carrying a live broadcast. The national broadcaster announced on Saturday that they had secured the rights to show the final. Additionally, the game will also be shown on SuperSport, where a number of games have been broadcast already during the tournament. On top of that, fans can watch the game on the CAF TV YouTube channel.
IOL News
17-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
SABC secures broadcasting rights for Under-20 Afcon final between South Africa and Morocco
Amajita into the final South African players celebrate after beating Nigeria to qualify for the final of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/AFP The SABC have announced that they've secured the rights to broadcast Sunday evening's Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations final between South Africa and Morocco. Amajita became the darlings of South African sport earlier this week when they defeated Nigeria 1-0 to book their spot in Sunday's final. Their performances at the tournament confirmed their place in the Under-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. The coverage of the final in Cairo will begin at 7.30pm on Sunday, with the game kicking off at 8pm. The match will put South Africa, whose national teams are going through a footballing renaissance, against Morocco, whose senior side made history in Qatar in 2022 when they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
