Mahlambi says he and Singh can learn lessons with Bafana for U-20 FIFA World Cup

28 March 2017 - 12:11 By Marc Strydom
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Jackson Mabokgwane,Phakamani Mahlambi and Marc van Heerden during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits at Orlando Stadium on February 15, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Jackson Mabokgwane,Phakamani Mahlambi and Marc van Heerden during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits at Orlando Stadium on February 15, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Image: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Phakamani Mahlambi believes he and Luther Singh can convey their experiences gained being part of the Bafana Bafana squad to their Amajita teammates ahead of the U-20 World Cup‚ especially if they get a run in Tuesday night’s game against Angola.

Mahlambi and Singh are the two teenagers in the Bafana squad for their two current friendlies‚ where South Africa beat Guinea-Bissau 3-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday and face Angola at a sold-out Buffalo City Stadium in East London on Tuesday night.

Both played a role for Amajita finishing fourth at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Zambia this month‚ which saw SA also qualify for the Fifa U-20 World Cup in South Korea in May and June.

  • Mahlambi and Singh to get an opportunity to show what they're made of against AngolaPhakamani Mahlambi and Luther Singh will get game time‚ whether starting or from the bench‚ in Bafana Bafana’s friendly international against Angola in East London on Tuesday‚ SA’s caretaker-coach Owen Da Gama has promised. 

“I am hoping to get a run (against Angola) because the coach had said there will be a rotation of players‚” the Bidvest Wits’ tearaway forward Mahlambi said.

“And should I get the nod‚ I will grab the opportunity with both hands and do the best for my country.

“Obviously I want to test my readiness for the senior team‚ and I have to thank the technical team for selecting me.

“It’s an honour for me and Luther to come and play alongside the big names in South African football‚ and for us this is a motivation.

  • 'Let's not put too pressure on Phakamani Mahlambi and Luther Singh,' says Bafana defender MphahleleBafana Bafana defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele has warned South Africans to not put too much pressure too quickly on Bafana Bafana's first-time call-up teenagers Phakamani Mahlambi and Luther Singh. 

“We are going to play the U-20 World Cup‚ and for us being in the Bafana Bafana squad is a learning period where we need to get some experience to transfer to the U-20 squad‚ because we want to win that tournament and not make up the numbers.”

Bafana’s four injured players – Mulomowandau Mathoho (skin abrasion)‚ Thulani Hlatshwayo (ankle)‚ Dean Furman (groin) and Andile Jali (shoulder dislocation) – were to assessed at Monday night’s final training session.

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport

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