DESPITE being a team of unknowns, Amabinneplaas have pledged to make South Africans proud by coming back from the second African Nations Championships finals in Sudan this week with a medal.

The team left for Sudan on Saturday.

"The plan is to come back with something from the tournament," said coach Simon Ngomane, who is assisted by Humphrey Mlwane and Innocent Mayoyo.

Ngomane said they were putting final touches to the preparations and were hoping to do well in this 16-nation tournament.

"So far so good. Our preparations went accordingly despite the fact that we could not get the number of professional players we wanted. This is a blessing in disguise because it gave us the opportunity to have a look at other players. The players we have selected are hungry for glory.

"They are honoured to be in the team to represent South Africa for the first time in this tournament," he said.

Ngomane said the opening match against Ghana on February 5 was a must-win for his 23-member squad "because opening fixtures are always important to win to ease the pressure in the camp".

Amabinneplaas are fresh from a 1-1 draw with Sweden in Mbombela last weekend where Tiyani Mabunda scored for the locals.

Also in South Africa's group are Zimbabwe and Niger. Still in Sudan, the Confederation of African Football executive elections will take place on February 23.

South African Danny Jordaan is expected to withdraw his candidature to be elected on the CAF executive, targeting the Fifa executive position.