Amajita's rising stars aim to shine at U20 World Cup in Chile

Oswin Appollis, Thabiso Monyane and Thabo Moloisane ...

These are some of the players who made a name for themselves at the 2019 U20 FIFA World Cup with the South African national team.

Fast forward six years, and the trio has clearly not let that experience go to waste, carving their names in the top flight. They are now plying their respective trades at Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Stellenbosch.

The trio did not stop there. They are part of the Bafana Bafana set-up, where they have played a key role in helping the side edge closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

As Amajita begin their campaign at their own global showpiece in Chile on Monday, they know they have the chance to create their own destiny — either by helping the team get past the group stage for the first time ever or by impressing scouts.

Some of Amajita’s players shone during their triumphant Africa Youth Championship campaign. The Junior AFCON Player of the Tournament, Tylon Smith, was the notable standout in terms of a transfer, signing for English Championship side Queens Park Rangers from Stellenbosch.

However, Smith and some of his teammates could secure moves to greener pastures if they impress at the global event and help the team beat France, New Caledonia, and the US over the course of a week.

Granted, the first option for the players is to move abroad, which is why Cape Town City’s talisman Jody Ah Shene reportedly turned down an offer to sign for local champions Mamelodi Sundowns, keeping the door open for a move to Europe instead.

But the reality is that not everyone will secure a move to Europe, and that is why players must still be on the lookout to impress scouts at home. Sundowns remains the club that most players want to play for domestically given their dominance, both locally and continentally, and their deep pockets. That is why Ah Shene could potentially change his mind and join the club if his expectations are not met at the World Cup.

However, they are not the only big teams in the country — there are still Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. The two Soweto giants have endured contrasting forms of late, with Pirates soaring while Chiefs are stuttering, but they remain huge clubs in their own right.

Pirates, moreover, have been on an upward trajectory, winning their last six games, including the MTN8 crown, their record-extending fourth in a row. Pirates have been in blistering form, so much so that they are tipped to challenge for the upcoming Carling Knockout for the first time since its inception in 2023.

Overall, there is a lot of trust in youngsters in South African football at the moment, and that should augur well for Amajita. Youngsters are slowly becoming the toast of locals, so much so that the national team coach, Hugo Broos, and overseas-based clubs are tapping into their talent.

When Broos arrived at Bafana, he was vocal about youngsters being the core of his team, and he has stuck to his word. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 19, and Mohau Nkota, 20, are among the cornerstones of the side. Nkota has grown in leaps and bounds, so much so that he recently joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq, where he has already shown his prowess by scoring one goal and assisting another since his arrival.