South Africa’s Under-20 head coach Raymond Mdaka has mapped out his plan in tonight’s Group A action in Egypt as Amajita look to reach six points in their penultimate group match.
Amajita are currently (correct before Zambia and Tanzania’s 17:00 kick-off) with three points on the board after a loss to hosts Egypt in their opening match and a victory against Tanzania.
Going up against the Shooting Stars, Mdaka’s plan to navigate through this match is straightforward – just keep the ball and move forward. Better known as the Tika-taka brand of football made famous by the Barcelona era of Xavi, Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi between 2008 and 2012 under Pep Guardiola.
“We are good when we keep the ball, when we share the ball and move together, when we manage the spaces.
“The only thing that we need to make sure that we get aware of is for us to be able to move from compact situations and then be able to have a bit of energy to run because if you are playing high balls and long balls, you need every energetic player,” Mdaka said.
“What you need to do is to manage the space and then be able to win the ball and see the spaces that we need to explore.
“But we need to keep possession positively so, objectively and try to play going forward – that is the key and that is all that we can do best.
“That is what makes us different from the other teams, and we can still maintain that we can give a good account in this game,” Mdaka added.
Betting tips
Sierra Leone 43/20 | Draw 37/20 | South Africa 5/4
Value bet: Sierra Leone
Best bet: South Africa
Amajita may be considered favourites to win this match given the number of exciting youngsters in Mdaka’s team, some who have tasted senior team football.
Given that Mzansi are chasing the Shooting Stars – who currently sit at the summit – this gives South Africa extra motivation to go all out and claim victory.
However, Sierra Leone will not be pushovers as they, alongside Zambia, are two of the five teams who remain undefeated in Group A. To win on this and other matches, head over to Hollywoodbets.net.
WATCH: Kutlwano Letlhaku on being inspired by Bafana Bafana
