U20 Amajita Team/ Picture: X (formerly Twitter)
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has received immense backlash from citizens after they revealed that, after making South African football history by winning the U20 AFCON tournament, Amajita players will not be compensated for their efforts.
Amajita’s journey to the 2025 U20 AFCON championship was merely a tale of resilience and discipline, grit and determination. After cruising through the group stages after facing the likes of Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and Zambia, the youngsters went on to face the DR Congo in the quarterfinals, and clashed against a Nigerian side in the semi-finals.
In the final match-up, Amajita embarked on a journey of redemption, as they looked to face Morocco in what was a rematch of the 1997 final, where Morocco emerged victorious over South Africa. In the end, the South Africans etched out a 1-0 victory over their opponents, and were hailed as the heroes they are, as their victory marked mzansi’s first championship in the coveted tournament.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇿🇦 1-0 🇲🇦
South Africa clinches the title with a tight win over Morocco in a thrilling final.#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #RSAMAR pic.twitter.com/Q3qKKpkKMG
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 19, 2025
Despite being hailed as the heroes of the moment, SAFA president Danny Jordaan revealed that there were no incentives confirmed for the team. However, he revealed that the organisation would be there to give the boys “full support”.
There were no incentives confirmed for Amajita by SAFA, but president Danny Jordaan has vowed the federation will give the squad “full support” ahead of the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile.
📹#SABCSport’s @superjourno #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/xn3MDIsaGf
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) May 20, 2025
Fans took to social media to express disappointment with SAFA for this decision, citing how this would demotivate youngsters from working hard to stay or be selected for the Amajita squad. According to these users, incentives such as money or goods serve as a great incentive, particularly for young players, to strive for optimal performance consistently. Some users have called for Danny Jordaan’s job, as they cite his consistent inability to show up for mzansi’s football culture and players.
So basically SAFA gave Amajita vibes and vibes only? No incentives? Not even a Nando’s voucher? These boys just brought the whole African Cup home and all they’re getting is a “full support” promise? Please, even Eskom offers more support—at least they warn you before they…
— In A Nutshell🥜 (@Markosonke1) May 20, 2025
@OnsBaizaNie @GaytonMcK see what is happening here. You need to get this sorted because it’s from the top. Danny needs to leave, this is exactly why our players don’t excel because they get robbed of what is due to them. This is criminal
— Wesley (@gummiberry) May 21, 2025
Danny Jordaan must leave our football administration. It’s high time now.
What the hell is Panyaza Lesufi doing there?
— Dr Sweet_T (@Tsietsi_Mohale) May 20, 2025
Also see: Health ombud to probe into recent death of medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi
