Sphelele: "Shakes" helped Amajita too much

ERNEST MABASA

Amajita and University of Pretoria central midfielder Sphelele Luthuli expects a similar coach as Shakes Mashaba to take over the vacant position.

Luthuli believes that Shakes mashaba has played a pivotal role in his football career and has instilled a positive attitude to all players in the squad. Amajita have qualified for the 2015 African Youth Championships in Senegal after 2-1 win at Peter Mokaba stadium, Polokwane making it 3-2 on aggregate.

“Winning is always great. It felt great and it meant that we played very well. I am happy as a player,” Luthuli, who praised Mashaba’s coaching skills, said.

“He is the best coach; he gave us time to play football. He let us play relaxed and without any problem. I have learnt a lot from him. At halftime against Cameroon like always, he told us that he puts the country first before his family and so should we as players.  Mashaba allowed us to showcase our talents. He is a good coach.

“Even when we were at training, he told us to train as if we were playing a match because we represent the country. I wish that he be replaced by a coach who will allow express our. As Amajita, we treat one another as member of a family. We love each other no one feels that he is bigger than the other. We are all equal. To coach I wish him the best in the national squad (Bafana Bafana). I hope he will do well,” the 19 year old Luthuli said.

It is the first time that South Africa have qualified for the African championships since 2009. And if Amajita finish in the top four next year in Senegal, they will automatically make it into Fifa under-20 world Cup in New Zealand later in the year.