The South African U17 men’s national team has clinched qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup, set to take place in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025. This achievement follows their commendable performance in the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently underway in Morocco.
Despite a 0-2 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final Group B match on Sunday night, South Africa secured the runner-up position in the group, ensuring their advancement to both the World Cup and the AFCON quarterfinals. Coach Vela Khumalo expressed immense pride in his team’s accomplishment:
“Let me take this opportunity to thank each and every South African who rallied behind us. This is a great moment and a big achievement. I made it clear that more than anything else we wanted to qualify for the World Cup, so it is mission accomplished.”
Reflecting on the match against Burkina Faso, Khumalo acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in converting opportunities and adopting a more aggressive approach. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the team’s prospects as they progress in the tournament without the added pressure of World Cup qualification.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has extended its congratulations to the team and coaching staff for their dedication and hard work. Fans across the nation eagerly anticipate the team’s participation on the global stage later this year.
