Latest news with #RaymondMdaka
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Tzaneen coach lifts African Cup of Nations trophy
TZANEEN – Congratulatory messages are flooding in for Raymond Mdaka, head coach of South Africa's u/20 national soccer team, Amajita, after leading the squad to a historic victory at the 2024 African Cup of Nations (Afcon). Amajita secured a hard-fought 1–0 win over Morocco in the final, held in Egypt on Sunday night, May 18. Mdaka, who hails from Mokgwathi village in Bolobedu and now resides in Nkowankowa, has etched his name into the history books by guiding the team to become the first South African soccer side to lift the Afcon u/20 title. Reflecting on the win, Mdaka said the achievement goes beyond football; it symbolises belief, perseverance, and the power of opportunity. 'This trophy belongs to every young dreamer who dares to chase greatness, and to every community that nurtures those dreams. To the players, staff, families, and supporters, thank you. Let's keep building, inspiring, and empowering,' he said. This marks the second major title for Mdaka and his young squad. In October last year, he also led Amajita to victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup held in Mozambique. In recognition of his contributions to sport, Mdaka was honored in January with the MEC of Sport, Arts and Culture Award during the Limpopo Sports Awards. Greater Tzaneen Municipality Mayor Gerson Molapisane praised the coach's outstanding leadership and extended his congratulations. 'We are incredibly proud of coach Mdaka's exceptional guidance and the determination displayed by Amajita throughout the tournament. This victory is proof of what can be accomplished through discipline, teamwork, and resilience,' the mayor said, adding that the community is eagerly awaiting Mdaka's return to Tzaneen to celebrate the milestone. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
eNCA
21-05-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
No incentives for Amajita but SAFA pledges support for World Cup
JOHANNESBURG - There are no incentives for Amajita after their U20 Afcon triumph in Egypt. The SA U20 side won just over R3.6 million after lifting the title against Morocco. Safa president Danny Jordaan says with the upcoming U20 World Cup in Chile, the federation will give full support to coach Raymond Mdaka and his charges. He downplayed the organisation's financial health, saying the organisation has never failed to cover the basic costs for national teams.
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
WATCH: ‘No team is playing the football that we are playing' – Victorious Amajita return home
Bafana Bafana have not won a major title in 29 years. The victorious Amajita team arrived home at the OR Tambo International Airport after winning the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka hailed the team's fighting spirit. 'In most of the games, we did not start well but we were able to come back,' he said. ALSO READ: Amajita down Morocco to clinch first ever Afcon title Amajita player Patrick Autata said the tournament was tough for the players, especially after the captain Asekho Tiwani picked up an injury. But '[Tiwani] said to me then that we are going to win this tournament because there is no team that plays the football that we are playing,' said Autata, who stood in as captain. NOW READ: Bafana's Broos gives advice to Amajita players after Afcon triumph
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Broos gives advice to Amajita players after AFCON triumph
'Everything now starts for you,' the Bafana head coach told Amajita's players. Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has congratulated Amajita for winning the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. ALSO READ: Amajita down Morocco to clinch first AFCON title Raymond Mdaka's side beat Morocco 1-0 in the final on Sunday at the June 30 stadium in Cairo to win the tournament for the first time ever. Amajita World Cup bound Amajita will also play in the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile from September 27 to October 19. 'Congratulations to coach Raymond for the fantastic job he did in the last two or three weeks,' Broos told a press conference at the OR Tambo International Airport, as Amajita's heroes arrived back in the country. 'I followed nearly every game, and congratulations to you for the motivation you gave the team. I saw when they were playing that they were motivated and wanted to get a big result. 'Congratulations for the tactical moves and the fantastic mentality the team showed on the field. I think you did a great job bringing the trophy to South Africa. 'And also congratulations to the team. Getting to the top is easy but staying there is so much more difficult. Everything now starts for you. 'You are at a crossroads, to take the right direction and I hope we will see you in the next months, next year with Bafana … or maybe abroad. 'It is up to you now. You have an opportunity to have a nice life for the next ten to 12 years as a professional footballer. But you still have to work really hard in the next months. 'You also certainly have to take the right lifestyle. That is very important.' Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka, meanwhile, reflected on a tournament where his side bounced back brilliantly after losing their opening match to hosts Egypt. 'The first game looked like a loss but we were able to go back, and pick up what to do, and how best to work on our game,' said Mdaka. 'The character to fight' 'We went to the extent of saying sometimes it doesn't work out tactically … but you have to have the character to fight.' ALSO READ: Pirates beat Chiefs to midfield signing Amajita went on to beat Tanzania and Sierra Leone, before drawing with Zambia to finish top of Group A. Mdaka's side then beat DR Congo, Nigeria and Morocco, all with a 1-0 scoreline, to lift the trophy.
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The South African
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Amajita win their first U20 AFCON title [video]
Watch the full version of the ' South Africa's Amajita's stun Morocco to win first ever U20 AFCON title' article – in a minute. South Africa's U20 national team, Amajita, made football history on Sunday night by securing their first-ever CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Morocco 1-0 in a tense and tactical final at the Cairo International Stadium This long-awaited triumph came 28 years after South Africa's last appearance in the final, which also featured Morocco – and ended in defeat. This time, however, the script was flipped as coach Raymond Mdaka's side claimed glory in dramatic fashion. With their victory, Amajita sent a powerful message to the continent: South Africa's youth football has arrived. From defensive discipline to explosive attacking moments, this generation has shown it can compete – and win – on Africa's biggest stage. The focus now shifts to the FIFA U20 World Cup, where South Africa will aim to carry their continental momentum to the global arena. Looking for quick updates? Watch News in a Minute videos on The South African's YouTube page for all the key stories you need to know! Catch all the latest videos on news, lifestyle, travel, sports and more – there's always something to watch! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to stay connected and get your news on the go!
