Coach Raymond Mdaka, with player Emile Witbooi, received accolades from the Greater Tzaneen Municipality after their COSAFA victory.
The Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) has sent a warm congratulatory message to Coach Raymond Mdaka and the South African national Under-20 football team, popularly known as Amajita.
The team recently won the 2026 COSAFA U-20 Championship after beating Mozambique 2-1 in a hard-fought final match.
This achievement carries deep local significance. Coach Raymond Mdaka is a native of the Greater Tzaneen area, where he grew up in Mokgwathi Village. His rise from a local teacher in Limpopo to a successful national team manager makes the victory even more special for his home community.
By winning the regional tournament, Amajita did not just bring home a trophy. They also secured a spot in the upcoming 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Ghana.
A Big Reason to Celebrate
In a public message, the Greater Tzaneen Municipality praised Coach Raymond Mdaka and the entire team for their dedication, hard work, and skill on the pitch. The local leadership noted that the team’s victory has brought immense joy and pride to the community and the nation as a whole.
“The team defeated Mozambique 2-1 in the final and has also qualified for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana,” stated the official message from the municipality. “Congratulations on this remarkable achievement and for making South Africa proud.”
The victory highlights the strong soccer talent present in South Africa. Local leaders believe that success at the youth level builds a strong foundation for the future of national sports. When a coach from Mokgwathi Village performs well on an international stage, it inspires young children in local villages to pursue their dreams in sports and education.
Looking Ahead to Ghana 2027
Winning the COSAFA U-20 Championship opens up bigger opportunities for Amajita. The team will now prepare to face the best youth teams from across the continent in Ghana at the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The upcoming tournament will test their abilities at an even higher level, but fans and community leaders are confident in the squad under the guidance of Coach Mdaka.
Supporters across the country are celebrating this win. The victory gives young soccer players a great opportunity to showcase their talents to football clubs around the world. As the team gets ready for their next challenge, the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and citizens across South Africa stand firmly behind Coach Raymond Mdaka and Amajita.