Amajita coach Thabo Senong has announced his 21-man squad that will represent South Africa at the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup in May.

The tournament is set to take place from 20 May to 11 June in South Korea, with Amajita taking on Japan at the Suwon World Cup Stadium in their opening encounter.

Senong has kept the bulk of the squad that finished fourth in the Caf U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Zambia earlier this year.

Only four players of the 21-man squad were not present at the tournament, those being: Malebogo Modise, Shane Saralina, Thabo Cele and Masilakhe Phohlongo.

Meanwhile, seven of the players in the current U20 squad were part of the Amajimbos that took part in the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup, including Sanele Tshabalala, Mondli Mpoto, Thendo Mukumela, Reeve Frosler, Wiseman Meyiwa, Sibongakonke Mbatha and Kobamelo Kodisang.

‘We are humbled to represent our country in the greatest showpiece in the world. We wish to thank the clubs for releasing players in the preparation phase,’ Senong told the media.

‘I believe we have selected a balanced team of players that suit our game model and philosophy. Competing in the World Cup event will be demanding physically and mentally.

‘Our players possess good technique with an excellent tactical application. We are drawn against tough teams in our group. With good team ethics and hard work, I believe that we can surprise our opponents. I have great faith in this group of players that we can really make this a memorable World Cup tournament.’

This is the third time South Africa has qualified for the Fifa U20 World Cup – the first time was back in 1997, led by former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba and were knocked out in the group stages.

The squad made its return to the soccer showpiece in 2009 with head coach Serame Letsoaka – they made the last 16 but lost out 2-1 to Ghana after extra time.

South African U20 2017 Fifa World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers:

Sanele Tshabalala, Mondli Mpoto and Khulekani Kubheka.

Defenders:

Malebogo Modise, Thendo Mukumela, Tercious Malepe, Shane Saralina, Sandile Mthethwa and Reeve Frosler.

Midfielders:

Sipho Mbule, Wiseman Meyiwa, Sibongakonke Mbatha, Kobamelo Kodisang, Luther Singh, Grant Margeman, Thabo Cele, Teboho Mokoena and Masilakhe Phohlongo.

Strikers:

Phakamani Mahlambi, Liam Jordan and Keletso Makgalwa.