VANDERBIJLPARK.-  South Africa’s U20 National team’s hope to go further in the FIFA World Cup has been dashed after a 3-1 defeat to Colombia in their Round of 16 match last night.

This means ‘Amajita’ will return to South Africa.

The young South Africans showed great promise, especially in the early stages of the match, where they created the better chances.

Despite the result, the Vaal was well represented at this tournament with Thabang Mahlangu and SAFA President, Solly Mkhabela, both playing key roles in Amajita’s journey, including the team’s recent triumph at the African Cup of Nations.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport before the FIFA World Cup opening match against France, Mkhabela expressed confidence that Amajita would go all the way to the knockout stages. They achieved the goal, however, their journey was cut short by Colombia.

Nonetheless, Mkhabela, who was part of the SAFA delegates in Chile, remained full of praise for the team’s performance.

“We are very proud of the boys, and they represented us well. We planned to go all the way to the quarterfinals, but we were very unlucky on the day. We will come back home with our heads held up,” said Mkhabela.