Amakhosi youth development player Steven Mendes has been key to the South Africa U20 team’s progression at the ongoing 2026 COSAFA U20 championships in Mozambique. Amajita have progressed with a 100% record through the group stages into the knockout rounds.

An upbeat Mendes says, “The tournament is going well. We have qualified for the semifinals. Hopefully we can continue to do well and reach the final, which will see us qualify for Africa Cup of Nations,” as South Africa, winners of Group B, prepare to face Group C winners Zambia in the last four.

Mendes scored in South Africa’s first two games, contributing a brace (with Chiefs teammate Teboho Mlangeni scoring the other) as they began with a 3-0 win over Lesotho. He was on target again, netting South Africa’s second in their 2-0 win over Angola. They rounded up their group stage campaign with a 2-0 win over Eswatini on Wednesday.

Amakhosi goalkeeper, Takalani Mazahamba, kept three clean sheets as Amajita went through the group stages without conceding a goal.

Mazhamba, Mendes, Mlangeni and Eegan Freese (four of the five Chiefs players at the tournament) have featured thus far for Amajita.

The mouthwatering semifinal between South Africa and Zambia will kick off at 4 pm on Friday in Mozambique.

The final will be played on Sunday.