WATCH | Mazhamba hopes Cosafa Cup and Afcon experience will help him grow

As he continues to wait for his opportunity at club level, Amajita and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Takalani Mazhamba, says the experience he got at the junior Cosafa Cup and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will help him grow.

Mazhamba played a key role in helping SA U/20 retain the Cosafa title after they beat Mozambique 2-1 in the final on Sunday. He was also named the goalkeeper of the tournament after only conceding three goals in five matches.

The 19-year-old wrote his name in Amakhosi history books after making his first team debut against Chippa United last season, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to represent the club in the Premier Soccer League era.

Amajita and Kaizer Chiefs youth goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba says playing in the Cosafa Cup and Africa Cup of Nations U/20 is helping him grow. Mazhamba played a key role in helping Amajita retain the Cosafa title when they beat Mozambique 2-1 at the weekend and was named the… pic.twitter.com/7TXWSQvjUw— Sowetan (@Sowetan1981) September 29, 2026

“These games … help me in terms of player profile and in terms of international football and in terms of getting experience,” Mazhamba said.

As they shift their focus to defending the Afcon title in Ghana early next year, Mazhamba said they drew inspiration from the previous team that won the competition in Egypt last year.

“It is very important [to defend it] because the last team did it [won it] and it shows us that it is also possible; we need to go to Ghana and do it,” he said.

“I was there with the previous team but didn’t play, but now I played all five games. It is a blessing to me because last time we went there, Fletcher Hani Smythe-Lowe was playing, and I was supporting him. Now I had my chance and I did very well, and we came back with the trophy.

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Steven Mendes says he was surprised to play as a striker at the recently concluded Cosafa. The Amakhosi attacking midfielder finished the tournament as the top scorer with six goals and was happy with his contributions.

“Yeah, even for me it was a bit of a surprise playing striker, but I had to adapt quickly, making sure I provided for the team, in which I scored goals. That’s the strikers’ job and I think I did that well,” Mendes said.

“It is my first major competition for the national team; obviously it is a great feeling and hopefully I can experience that again at the Afcon.”