The South African U-20 men’s national football team, Amajita, received a celebratory homecoming at OR Tambo International Airport after securing their first-ever U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title.
Watch: Amajita homecoming – Here’s everything that happened
Fans, families, and officials gathered in large numbers to welcome the team, who returned as continental champions following their 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final.
Excitement filled the arrival terminal as songs, cheers, and flag waving greeted the young champions. Many supporters wore South African jerseys and carried banners, creating a festive scene to celebrate Amajita’s achievement.
The atmosphere was electric as fans showed their appreciation for the team’s performance in Egypt.
Several dignitaries were present to officially welcome the team.
South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan said:
“Our teams have shown incredible performance and success in recent times… Overall, we are very happy and I think football is doing very well.” Jordaan highlighted the broader success of South African football, including progress at various age-group and senior national levels.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi added, “We want to congratulate the team and thank them for not only representing the country but also conquering the continent.”
He also wished the players success in their future careers.
National team coach Hugo Broos expressed pride, stating, “What they’ve achieved is not just a trophy – it’s a message to the entire continent that South African football is rising again.”
Amajita’s head coach Raymond Mdaka thanked the team and technical staff for their efforts.
“We were playing matches after every two days and had about 20 players after injuries,” he said, acknowledging the physical demands of the tournament and the support his team received to keep players fit.
Adding to the celebration, representatives from HONOR Technologies led a presentation at the airport, handing over the latest HONOR 400 Lite smartphones to the players.
This came as part of a reward for their accomplishment, in addition to the $200,000 (around R3.6 million) prize money they received for winning the tournament.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is currently on a work visit in the United States, sent a congratulatory message to the team.
“Hearty congratulations to Amajita on winning the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in a thrilling final against Morocco,” the statement read.
“The nation is beaming with joyful pride and wishes SAFA and Amajita continued success at the Under-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile later this year.”
What’s next for Amajita? – The road to the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile
Looking ahead, Amajita’s preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile are already underway.
Coach Mdaka confirmed that 80 percent of the World Cup squad has already been identified. This includes players who were not present at the Afcon tournament due to injuries or other circumstances, such as Shandre Campbell and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
“When I say 80%, I think they are included… The fortunate thing is that these players we have been with them, you remember we started the camp, we started everything with them,” Mdaka said.
“That’s why people might not understand the unity that is there.”
As Amajita continue their preparations for Chile, they do so with growing support and confidence from the nation, following a landmark achievement that has reenergised interest in youth football development across the country.
