6 July 2014 – Nelson Maluleka scored a brace as the South African Men’s Under-17 National Team (Amajimbos) defeated Botswana U17 4-0 in an international friendly match on Sunday, 6 July at the Molepolole Stadium in Botswana.
The other two goals came from midfielders Thendo Mukumela and Sibongakonke Mbatha.
The score was 2-0 at the break.
This was the second match in a week between the two nations – South Africa won the first encounter 2-0 on Thursday, 3 July at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks Stadium in Mogoditshane.
Amajimbos head coach Molefi Ntseki made eight changes to the squad that won the first match. The visitors took the lead through Mukumela in the 36th minute with a long-range shot. Seven minutes later Maluleka opened his account with a thunderous strike that gave the Botswana keeper no chance.
Mbatha increased the lead 10 minutes into the second stanza to make it 2-0 to South Africa.
A minute later Maluleka, who is also the captain, scored his second from the penalty spot after a Botswana defender was adjudged to have handled in the box.
Ntseki brought on fresh legs, giving a chance to Felix Noge, Katlego Mohamme, Edwin Sekhwama, Thato Ramogogodi, Vuyo Mkatshana and Vuyo Mantjie in place of Simon Nqoi, Mbatha, Maluleka, Khanyisa Mayo, Charles Baloyi and Thato Pheleu.
On Monday, 7 July the South Africans travel to Lesotho for two more matches.
The clashes are part of preparations for the upcoming 2015 African Youth Championship qualifier against Tanzania on Friday, 18 July in Dar es Salaam.