The history-making South African under-17 side have been thrust into the limelight following their journey to the final of the African Under-17 Championships in Niger.

They will play for gold medal when they take on Mali at the Stade General Seyni Kountche in Niamey on Sunday having already ensured the best finish yet for a South African side in the continental finals.

Mali booked a place in the final after beating Guinea 2-1 in the semifinals yesterday.

It will be the second time the two sides meet in this tournament after they played to a 2-all draw in the group stage where Amajimbos surrendered a two-goal lead.

South Africa's run, which includes victories over powerhouses Cameroon and Nigeria, has also earned them a place at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Chile in October.

Amajimbos reached the final after beating world champions Nigeria 1-0 on Wednesday, courtesy of forward Kanyisa Mayo's strike.

Amajimbos are determined to win the tournament and their performances so far suggest they can wear the continental crown on Sunday.

"We are all focused on this tournament and I'm happy with what we have done so far," astute Amajimbos coach Molefi Ntseki told Sowetan this week.

Ntseki could not be reached for comment after the Mali-Guinea encounter last night.

Ntseki boasts players such as skipper Nelson Maluleke and Reeve Frosler, who can help Amajimbos to prevail on Sunday. - Additional reporting by Mcelwa Nchabeleng