‘Kaka’ - as the player has come to be known - scored one of three goals as Amajita shrugged off challenge from neighbours, Botswana.

Mandla was forced to miss out in 2006 as he pulled out of the squad to concentrate on matric exams, “We had played Zambia away and I was forced to miss out on the return game as I wanted to concentrate on exams” he said.

“We believed from the start that we were going to qualify for the African Youth Championships. We never doubted our ability and I am glad to be part of this team. The tournament is going to prepare us for greater things to come. We are confident of our chances to qualify for the World Cup Youth Championships.

"This is where players like Messi, Henry and many others emerged. Who knows, maybe some of the players in this group might force their way to the World Cup 2010 squad," said the youngster with confidence.

Mandla knows together with his teammates though that hard work has now started, "It is important to continue working hard and if you do anything is possible."