Steven Mendes targeting Kaizer Chiefs breakthrough with Amajita at COSAFA U-20 Championship

Steven ‘Stevie G’ Mendes believes a strong campaign with South Africa’s under-20 side could help him earn recognition in the Kaizer Chiefs first team.

The midfielder has been named in the final Amajita squad for the COSAFA U-20 Championship in Mozambique, where South Africa will defend the title they won last year.

Mendes is also determined to make the most of his return to the national set-up after missing major competitions with the under-17 side. He hopes to follow the path taken by Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mfundo Vilakazi, whose performances for the national team helped bring them closer to first-team opportunities.

South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside Lesotho, Angola and Eswatini. The tournament will also act as a qualifier for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The current Amajita squad face the added expectation of entering the competition as defending champions of both the COSAFA Championship and AFCON.

Mendes inspired by previous generation

Mendes says last year’s successful team has given the current group extra motivation to match, and possibly improve on, its achievements.

“We saw last year what this team (Amajita) did for individuals and I think everyone in this team wants the same to happen to them,” Mendes said, speaking to the media earlier this week.

“That just pushes us more, makes us work hard and makes us want to win the tournament, so that we can get recognition. Overall, I think it just helps us mentally, saying there are opportunities that come from this.”

The Chiefs player also reflected on the disappointment of being excluded from the previous under-17 squad, saying he was grateful to have another chance to represent South Africa.

“It’s always a privilege being in the national team. It was a hard time being out of the last one for the Under-17, but obviously I am glad to be back. I can’t wait to play for this badge again,” he added.

South Africa prepared for pressure

Mendes accepts that defending the title will bring additional pressure, but believes the squad is ready for the challenge.

“We go into a tournament where we are currently champions, so I think we know what comes with that. We know the pressure and we are just going to do our best to do what the last team did and even do better,” he said.

The midfielder added that the team had already analysed its three group opponents, although preparations were currently focused on building cohesion within the squad.

“We’ve studied the three teams in our group, however we are just focusing on ourselves at the moment, making sure that the team gels nicely and we are working through our formations.”

Amajita are scheduled to leave for Mozambique tomorrow before beginning their campaign against Lesotho on Saturday.