Ntseki’s side managed just a point from their three group games in Chile last year, but learnt much in the tournament, a some of their players are beginning to make a name for themselves in South Africa’s professional league.
Kobamelo Kodisang, who is still 16, made 13 appearances for Platinum Stars last season and is expected to have a bigger impact in the coming campaign as coach Cavin Johnson rebuilds his team with youngsters.
Kodisang was only 15 when he debuted against Lamontville Golden Arrows last August, making him one of the youngest players ever to feature in the PSL.
Midfielder Athenkosi Dlala played for SuperSport United in their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Baroka FC last season, while goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto has also signed a professional contract with the team.
Another midfielder Sibongakonke Mbatha has signed for Bidvest Wits and will be in line for a first team debut in the coming campaign.
“It is very pleasing for me to see these boys coming through at PSL clubs and I am sure in the coming few seasons there will be much more,” Ntseki tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“Credit must go to the coaches for these teams for providing the platform for them and it is vindication that we are moving in the right direction.
“It should serve as a motivation to the other players from that squad, as well as the new intake of Under-17 players that we will select for the Cosafa Under-17 Championships in Mauritius later this month.
“It says to them, ‘if you have the talent, the dedication and you work hard, your chance will come whatever your age’.”
Ntseki has cast his net wide in search of a new group of Under-17s that he hopes will qualify for the 2017 World Cup in India, taking players from the Safa inter-provincial tournament that was held last year, as well as inviting 67 players from academies across the country to try out.