Congratulating the national Under-20 men’s national team for qualifying for the U-20 Afcon in Zambia next year, Jordaan said the success of the country’s national teams - especially junior teams in qualifying for major tournaments - was unprecedented in the history of the country.
“The U-20, Amajita have qualified for the 20th edition of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Zambia undefeated and not only that; they did so in comprehensive fashion,” he said.
“To those who thought Vision 2022 was another talk shop, results of our national teams are there for all to see. Our aim is not only to dominate African football but to be a major powerhouse on the globe in few years to come.”
The Safa president said he’s proud that South Africa was the only country on the continent and among three other countries in the world that is sending two football teams to the Rio Olympics.
“We are the only country sending two football teams to the Olympics from the African continent and one of the few in the world to do so,” he said. “And with the amount of resources we poured to prepare the two teams, we might surprise a few at the Olympics.”
Apart from winning the Cosafa Cup which was competed for by most of the current U-23 now in Brazil, Dr Jordaan said all of the junior national teams were fast realising their potential and by qualifying for major tournaments on the continent and the world, showed what a well-executed plan can bring.
“Soon Amajimbos (the national U-17 men’s national team) will be taking on Tanzania in a two-legged qualifier and the winner will book a ticket to Madagascar for the African Youth championships next year,” he said. “We are very confident the u17 will continue the winning streak by our national teams.
“Our blueprint as the Association is to make sure that all our national teams are constantly among the top 3 in Africa and top 20 in the world; that is what we aim to achieve, come 2022.”
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