Amajimbos midfielder Kekana says they are ready for Nigeria clash
"We just need to keep working hard and play our football,” said Kekana.
South Africa head coach Duncan Crowie and midfielder Gomolemo Kekana. Picture: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
Amajimbos midfielder Gomolemo Kekana says the team is in the right state of mind ahead of their crucial clash with Nigeria in their final Group B tie at the Caf Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Nations) on Saturday.
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The South African Under-17 team take on the Nigerians in a battle to progress to the next stage of the Afcon.
Amajimbos lost their first game of the tournament 2-0 to Morocco, but managed to bounce back in their second game by beating Zambia 2-0.
South Africa and Nigeria are tied on three points going into the last group game after two matches. But, the Eaglets are in second spot, while Amajimbos are in third place because of a better goal-difference.
Kekana strongly believes the team is ready for the match and says they have to work hard.
“I could say that we have prepared well for the game and we are in the right frame of mind and we thank the coaches for how they have prepared us and showed us the mistakes we made and we just need to keep working hard and play our football,” said Kekana, who plays his club football for TS Galaxy.
Amajimbos mentor Duncan Crowie also believes the team is well prepared to take on the Nigerians.
The South Africa Under-17 coach says he knows how dangerous the Eaglets might be after losing to Morocco, but his charges are looking forward to the game.
“To a certain degree we are ready as far as our game against Nigeria is concerned. Yes, we still have one final training session (Friday) and a video session before training to give the players an idea of what Nigeria is all about, their strong points and where we can hurt them. We have seen Nigeria play and they are a quality team,” said Crowie ahead of the match.
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“We know a wounded animal is dangerous (Nigeria lost to Morocco) but I am looking forward to a good game.”
The last time the two sides met was in 2015 at the Africa U-17 Championship where South Africa won 1-0 in the knockout stages (semi-finals).
