Excitement builds in Amajita camp
Amajita forward Keletso Makgalwa is anxious and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star played a huge role in helping his club Mamelodi Sundowns win the 2017 Multi Choice Diski Challenge.
Speaking from Korea Republic where he is with the Burger King-sponsored South
African U20 Men’s National Team in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup,
Makgalwa says this is a dream come true.
“Like many other players currently in the squad, it’s a dream come true for me to represent my country. The World Cup is the biggest platform for any player to show off his talent and market themselves to the world. I am very excited but very anxious. As a striker there is a lot of pressure on us, but I believe there are very good players around me and we have a good understanding amongst us,” said Makgalwa.
“Playing with the likes of (Luther) Singh, (Sibongakonke) Mbatha, (Masilake) Phohlongo, (Liam) Jordan and (Kobamelo) Kodisang is pure motivation on its own. I think they know how to bring out the best in me.”
Makgalwa believes that his generation of footballers is very fortunate – adding that as football becomes more modern, more international opportunities are to them.
“The new generation of footballers is at an advantage - we are able to track our daily progress at training, we are able to analyze the opposition, we can research strategies of improving ourselves as players but most importantly, we have access to our senior players, the very ones who have walked the journey we are embarking on,” added Makgalwa.
“As a striker I look up to Argentinean striker Sergio Aguero (Manchester City – England). He inspires me to become a better player, even with my small physique. I hope I get a chance to play and contribute in Amajita’s success at this tournament. We are working hard to be ready for the World Cup so we can better what the Class of 2009 did. They got to the round of 16, which is remarkable.”
Amajita are left with three days before their opening match of the 21st Edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup.
They face the Samurai Blue of Japan on Sunday, 21 May 2017 at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, Korea Republic.
Kickoff is scheduled for 17h00 local time (10h00 SA Time)
The other match in Group D will see Italy take on Uruguay at 20h00 local time (13h00 SA Time).
“Like many other players currently in the squad, it’s a dream come true for me to represent my country. The World Cup is the biggest platform for any player to show off his talent and market themselves to the world. I am very excited but very anxious. As a striker there is a lot of pressure on us, but I believe there are very good players around me and we have a good understanding amongst us,” said Makgalwa.
“Playing with the likes of (Luther) Singh, (Sibongakonke) Mbatha, (Masilake) Phohlongo, (Liam) Jordan and (Kobamelo) Kodisang is pure motivation on its own. I think they know how to bring out the best in me.”
Makgalwa believes that his generation of footballers is very fortunate – adding that as football becomes more modern, more international opportunities are to them.
“The new generation of footballers is at an advantage - we are able to track our daily progress at training, we are able to analyze the opposition, we can research strategies of improving ourselves as players but most importantly, we have access to our senior players, the very ones who have walked the journey we are embarking on,” added Makgalwa.
“As a striker I look up to Argentinean striker Sergio Aguero (Manchester City – England). He inspires me to become a better player, even with my small physique. I hope I get a chance to play and contribute in Amajita’s success at this tournament. We are working hard to be ready for the World Cup so we can better what the Class of 2009 did. They got to the round of 16, which is remarkable.”
Amajita are left with three days before their opening match of the 21st Edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup.
They face the Samurai Blue of Japan on Sunday, 21 May 2017 at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, Korea Republic.
Kickoff is scheduled for 17h00 local time (10h00 SA Time)
The other match in Group D will see Italy take on Uruguay at 20h00 local time (13h00 SA Time).