Amajita lost their third place play-off match 2-1 against Nigeria on Saturday, but they went on to scoop the Fair Play Award for their enterprising football throughout the tournament.
Coach Serame Letsoaka says the achievement is a result of the undivided support from SAFA and the entire country; Letsoaka credited SAFA for giving Coaches and players the opportunity to represent the country. He says the players performed with passion and pride.
amajita2“The expectations were high, especially after the first two matches, we would have liked to bring back a medal but unfortunately we could not achieve that. I don't have the words to explain the excitement. It has been very tough but the association has always been behind us, giving us the much needed support, to all the people that were involved, you guys have been wonderful, lets continue to raise the country's flag,” Said Letsoaka.
SAFA CEO Raymond Hack told a media briefing that the players have achieved immensely and he thanked the coach and his technical team for a job well done under difficult circumstances, he also thanked PSL teams for releasing the players following the intervention by SAFA President, Dr Molefi Oliphant and PSL Chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza.
Team captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele says the absence of other experienced players has inspired them to work even harder, he said they would have loved to win the Championship which was there for the taking, but luck was not on their side.
“Some of the teams that we were up against had players who play their trade in Europe and our team comprised mostly of players with no international experience, but we managed to hang in there and compete well, so it is no surprise that we won the Fair Play Award,” Said Mphahlele.
Coach Letsoaka and his technical team will work out a plan in preparation for the World Youth Championships.
