Five Kaizer Chiefs players were included in coach Vela Khumalos’ 21-man squad that will represent South Africa at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, which gets under way next week.

Keabetswe Morake, Teboho Mlangeni, Shaun Els, Neo Bohloko and Lebohang Dhlamini all made the final cut when the squad was announced recently and they will be determined to play key roles for Amajimbos on the world stage.

“I want to congratulate the boys on their selection. It is thoroughly deserved,” says Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr. “It is an incredible platform for them to showcase their abundant talent and I urge them to seize the opportunity and enjoy the experience. They are all sure to benefit from the wisdom and footballing acumen of our very own Coach Vela, whom we congratulate and wish the best of good fortune at the tournament.”

Motaung, who oversees the entire structure of football at the Club from youth to senior level also reserved praise for the technical staff who have laid the foundations for future success.

“I also want to commend all the coaching staff in our youth ranks, under whose guidance the Kaizer Chiefs academy is flourishing, for creating the conditions for our youngsters to represent the Club in the international arena,” he says, adding, “We are proud of the work they are doing and the recognition reflected in our healthy representation in junior national teams is just reward for their efforts.”

Amajimbos will open their tournament against Bolivia in Group A on 3 November, before taking on host nation, Qatar three days later on 6 November. They close out the group phase against Italy on 9 November.

The entire tournament, which runs from 3-27 November, will be held at the state-of-the-art Aspire Zone Doha Sports City, in Al Rayyan.