The South African U20 futsal team will represent the country when they travel to Colombia for the Futsal World Cup this month, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The South African Futsal Federation (Saff) has finalised its squad that will be participating in the AMF Futsal U20 World Championships in Valledupar, Colombia from 17-29 November after staging trials in Cape Town and Durban in April and May this year.

SA have been drawn against host nation and defending champions Colombia in Group B alongside India and Australia.

Meanwhile, Group A consists of Argentina, Catalonia, Morocco and Bolivia, while Group C is made up of Paraguay, Brazil, Italy and the USA.

SA Futsal U20 coach Byron Cottle believes that it is the South African team’s time to make history in futsal by bringing the trophy home.

‘It’s been a rough journey for us, futsal is a growing sport in South Africa. It’s big in South America, especially in Colombia where we are going. Colombians are crazy about futsal,’ Cottle said.

‘We believe that we are going there and coming back to make history.’

Cottle also took the time to name the players and appoint the captain, whom he believes has the quality to lead the team and represent the country.

‘It was hard for me to choose, but one of the boys has been playing futsal for a while, he knows the game of futsal and shows leadership,’ he added.

‘He is a bit of a stubborn guy, has an attitude, but I think this is the best opportunity for him to change his attitude and now he has to be a leader too.

‘You are going to see him be a leader on that court. Let’s welcome our captain for the South Africa team, Wesley Bosch!’

Speaking on his captaincy, Bosch said: ‘It’s a great honour to lead the team in Colombia. We will make the country proud!’