The South African Men’s U17 team made history in Qatar on Sunday by qualifying for the knockout rounds of the FIFA U17 World Cup for the first time ever, largely in part to major contributions from the Kaizer Chiefs players within the squad.

Amakhosi starlets, Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els both scored in Amajimbos’ 3-1 win over Bolivia in their opening fixture, while Els, Bohloko, Teboho Mlangeni and Lebohang Dhlamini battled bravely for their country to earn a 1-1 draw against host nation, Qatar in their second match. Els was on the scoresheet again in SA’s 3-1 loss to Italy in the final group game. Despite the defeat, Amajimbos finished as runners-up in Group A and now await the revelation of their Round of 32 opponents at the conclusion of the group phase on 11 November.

The squad, under the tutelage of esteemed Amakhosi youth development academy coach, Vela Khumalo, and also including Keabestwe Morake, will have high hopes of progressing further in the tournament, which culminates with the final on 27 November at Al Rayyan’s Khalifa International Stadium.