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Amajita upbeat for qualifier clash

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Residents of Kimberley in Northern Cape will be treated to international soccer when Amajita take on Botswana on Saturday night.

The two Southern Africa countries meet in a return match of their 2009 Africa Youth Championships qualifier.

South Africa, despite the absence of four key players, managed to get a credible 1-1 draw with the junior Zebras in Gaborone a fortnight ago.

Mduduzi Nyanda of Orlando Pirates development netted the all-important goal for Amajita.

Serame "Rhee" Letsoaka, Amajita's coach, said they were confident of defeating Botswana to book themselves a place in the finals in Rwanda next year.

"Naturally, it will be a tough one, but we are hoping the clubs will be more cooperative this time round by releasing the selected players.

"The game is on a Fifa calendar, so we have to get the strongest possible team. Our aim is to go for a feast of goals."

Letsoaka arrived in Kimberley on Friday with some of the players. The last group will arrive in the Diamond City today after the weekend games.

Some of the players carrying South Africa's hopes include Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Tlou Molekwane, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thulani Ngcepe and Daylon Claasen.

Mphlahlele is expected to captain the team.

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