Mdaka says Cosafa Cup triumph gives Amajita platform for Afcon title defence

Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka believes South Africa’s third consecutive Cosafa Cup triumph has provided the ideal foundation for their attempt to retain the Africa Cup of Nations title in Ghana next year.

South Africa beat Mozambique 2-1 in Sunday’s final to secure the regional trophy and qualify for the junior Afcon, which is scheduled to be played in February and March next year.

The squad returned to South Africa on Monday morning, arriving at OR Tambo International Airport, where Mdaka said the victory represented an important first step in their preparations.

“It’s good for the country, good for the boys; after that, you see, defending a trophy is something else, especially that you have also qualified for Afcon,” Mdaka told the media.

Amajita won the previous junior Afcon in Egypt and will travel to Ghana as the reigning African champions. Mdaka said the players had responded well despite having limited preparation time before the Cosafa tournament.

He hopes the team will be given a longer period to work together before attempting to defend their continental crown.

“One would want, if it was possible, to have the same journey that we had [with Cosafa],” he said.

“The Afcon is a buildup; it is better than when you go to Cosafa. I really give the boys credit for what they have shown for us to bring back the trophy and put it as a foundation to prepare for Afcon.”

Limited preparation time

Mdaka said the squad faced additional difficulties because the tournament was held outside the regular football calendar, while many of the players are still completing their schooling.

“This group, most of them are still at school; they are doing matric, and also the tournament came at a time when it was out of the calendar,” he said.

“So, you always get those kinds of challenges to juggle who you get and who you are not getting.

“And also, you would not have enough time for preparations, but we understand that’s what Cosafa is. Fortunately, we had a very good group that was able to pick up very quickly in a very short time for them to be able to compete.”

The coach warned that the demands in Ghana would be greater than those faced in the regional competition.

“But beyond this, I think we need enough time for us to prepare because Afcon is very difficult,” he said.

South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan congratulated the players and coaching staff, while challenging the team to follow up their regional success with another continental title.

“Credit to the coach and the wonderful players that we have; they really showed us that they are the best in Southern Africa now,” Jordaan said.

“We must go to Ghana, and they have another trophy to defend. They will go to Ghana as African Champions.”