SAFA dragged for no incentives for U20 AFCON Champs Amajita- just support

by Nomonde Simelane

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.

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”.

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.

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