South Africa U-17 Profile
Preparing to make their fifth TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa will be hoping to emulate their 2015 performance that saw them agonisingly fall short of lifting the title with a second-place finish in Niger.
A talented squad full of promise under the tutelage of coach Vela Khumalo, Amajimbos head to the continental showpiece with a lot of expectation from their star-studded squad.
How They Qualified
The South Africans will form part of the trio of Southern African representatives along with Zambia and Angola.
After hosting the COSAFA Qualifiers in January, Amajimbos fell short to Angola in the semi-finals but by virtue of finishing as the third best team, the 2015 silver-medallists were fortunate to make it to the finals of the newly expanded 16-team format of the competition.
History in the competition
South Africa will be making their fifth TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON appearance this year. Their last appearance was in the 2023 edition held in Algeria where their campaign ended in the quarterfinals following a crushing 5-0 loss to eventual champions Senegal.
Preceding their 2023 appearance was a memorable run in 2015 were they narrowly fell short of being crowned champions after being edged by Mali in the finals.
Amajimbos’ debut was in the 2005 edition where they finished fourth, before making a return to the two years later where they could not make it past the group stages.
Key Player to Watch
Emile Witbooi
One of South Africa’s most promising prospects, 16-year-old Emile Witbooi is a rising star made history on 2 March 2026 by becoming the youngest player to play for the Cape Town City FC in South Africa’s premier division.
A skilful attacker with incredible ball control at high speed, the dribbling wizard also caught the attention of English premier league giants, Chelsea FC who invited the youngster for assessments.
Coach & Tactical Approach
South Africa will be led by coach Vela Khumalo who is also head coach of the Kaizer Chiefs youth team in South Africa.
A coach with vast experience in coaching youth football, Khumalo has also been assistant to former South African U20 coach, Molefi Ntseki before assuming his role as head coach of the U17 team that finished in the quarter-finals of the last edition in Algeria.
Tournament Expectations & Group Analysis
South Africa find themselves in a testing Group B which coach Khumalo has described as “intriguing”. They face Burkina Faso, Egypt as well as two-time champions, Cameroon.
While drawn in one of the toughest groups of the competition, the South Africans with their flair and talent have what it takes but will need to be highly discipline and tactical against their Group B counterparts who are equally capable of advancing.
Burkina Faso – A strong contender for the title that is working towards reclaiming the title they lifted in 2011.
Egypt – Yet to make their mark on the continent at this level of continental football since lifting the title in 1997, Egypt have a strong desire and ambition to emulate their seniors who hold the record for the most African titles.
Cameroon – Two-time champions and one of the most successful nations in the tournament, South Africa have a stern test against a side that is looking to reclaim its 2019 title.