Gabriel Amato uses South Africa U20 setback as motivation for U23 chance

Cape Town City midfielder Gabriel Amato says missing out on South Africa’s U20 squad was a personal disappointment, but the experience has strengthened his determination to progress after being called into the national U23 set-up.

The 21-year-old had previously represented South Africa at U17 level and appeared to be progressing through the national pathway. However, he was not selected when the U20 squad was assembled.

That group went on to enjoy a memorable 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign before reaching the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Lazola Maku, Gomolemo Kekana and Patrick Autata established themselves as the midfield foundation of the successful U20 side, with all three retaining their places for the World Cup campaign.

Amato acknowledged the disappointment of being left out, but said he had decided to treat it as part of his development rather than allow the setback to affect his progress.

“For me it was frustrating on a personal level, but it’s kind of football you know, I’ve had plenty of disappointments in my short career so far, plenty of highs as well, so I just take it as a learning curve and not anything bring my game down,” Amato said.

He has been given another opportunity at international level in 2026, having been brought into the U23 squad.

Raymond Mdaka is currently working across two areas of South Africa’s national youth structure, overseeing both the U20 and U23 programmes. The teams are preparing for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations and a potential Olympic Games campaign.

Amato once again faces strong competition for a place in midfield, but believes the quality within the group can help each player improve.

“As long as I focus on myself and if the coach needs me, if he calls me, then I will keep grinding away on my own goals. There’s a lot of competition but it’s very good because it creates a good environment for development,” he added.

Rather than focusing on the chance he missed with the U20s, the Cape Town City player is concentrating on making an impression with the U23s.

He said the competition for places was a reminder that players could not afford to become complacent, regardless of their previous achievements or current standing within the national set-up.

“You never really at the top, you have to always be working, so it’s great, I’m enjoying the competition,” he concluded.