Asekho Tiwani, Thato Sibiya and Kamohelo Mareletse Share Their FIFA World Cup Experiences

Author: Erica Mathye

For decades, the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups have provided young players with a platform to showcase their talents and gain experience in high-intensity, international competition. This year, both South Africa’s U-17 and U-20 teams made history, advancing to the knockout stages for the first time — a milestone that included ten Mamelodi Sundowns players and highlighted the growing strength of South African youth football.

For Mamelodi Sundowns, ten starlets were part of this historic achievement:

U-17 (Amajimbos) representatives: Kamohelo Mareletse, Omphemetse Sekgoto, Lwandiso Radebe, Selwyn Stevens and Liam Marthinus
U-20 (Amajita)representatives: Asekho Tiwani, Siyabonga Mabena, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Thato Sibiya and Gomolemo Kekana

Supporting them were Sundowns staff members: Tinashe-Shingai Mukandatsama, First Team Technical Analyst, who was with the U-20 squad (in Chile) and Shu-Aib Walters, Academy Goalkeeper Coach, who joined the U-17 team (in Qatar).

Asekho Tiwani – U-20 CAPTAIN

“Being the captain of the U20 National Team was an honour. I had to remain calm during hectic moments to help my teammates stay focused. It was challenging, but also extremely rewarding.”

Sustaining an injury early in the U20 AFCON was a setback, but Tiwani stayed focused on his recovery. “It was a challenging period, but I stayed positive and concentrated on getting back to full fitness. Even when I was not on the pitch, I supported the team and wished them well — and they went on to win the tournament. That motivation kept me determined to reach the World Cup in Chile.”

Reflecting on the tournament, he said: “The World Cup was an incredible experience. Facing tough opponents reminded me of the importance of teamwork and building strong bonds on and off the pitch. That is the biggest lesson I am taking home.”

Quickfire Festive Corner:

o Festive downtime activity: Quality time with family
o Looking forward to: Spending time with family and friends
o Favourite Christmas meal: Rice, chicken and salads
o Song to usher in 2026: Any three-step song
o Festive gift for a teammate: Reyaad Pieterse – Cologne and sunglasses

Thato Sibiya – U-20 DEFENDER

“My World Cup experience was inspiring. It taught me professionalism on-and-off the pitch and showed me the intensity required to compete at a high level.”

Sibiya remembers the special moment of being selected: “I was in class when my teacher announced I made the squad. It was a shock, but also a proud moment — all the hard work had paid off.”

Highlighting a key tournament moment: “Our U-20 World Cup game against the USA was memorable. I crossed the ball intending for my teammate, and it resulted in an own goal for the opposition. Moments like that showed me how important it is to stay level-headed and focused — a lesson I will carry forward.”

Quickfire Festive Corner:

o Festive downtime activity: Spending time with family and resting (to recharge)
o Looking forward to: Vacation with family and friends
o Favourite Christmas meals: Pap and steak, homemade pizza, bolognese
o Song to usher in 2026: Long Journey by Rod Wave
o Festive gift for a teammate: Bennet Mokoena – baggy pants and sneakers

Kamohelo Mareletse – U-17 CAPTAIN

On what the experience was like at the competition, Kamohelo Mareletse reflected: “Competing against the world’s best was an exceptional experience. Playing in the DStv Diski Challenge helped me adjust to the physical demands of the World Cup.”

On captaining the U-17 side: “It is not easy, but having a strong vice-captain (Emil Witbooi) and supportive coaches made it manageable. The experience taught me the value of teamwork and accountability.”

He added: “Even though we exited in the knockout stages, the team was more than a team — it was a brotherhood. My favourite match was against Italy; despite the loss, it was a chance to challenge myself against top European talents.”

Quickfire Festive Corner:

o Festive downtime activity: Quality time with family
o Looking forward to: Creating long-lasting memories with loved ones
o Favourite Christmas meal: The historic seven colours — a traditional South African festive platter featuring seven different ingredients, usually a mix of meats, vegetables, starches and sauces, arranged to create a vibrant and celebratory plate.
o Song to usher in 2026: Ugogo by Sjava
o Festive gift for a teammate: Festival (Kabelo Sibande) – I would get him a graphic tee.

Mamelodi Sundowns is proud to congratulate all ten players and their respective teams for representing South Africa with pride and professionalism. By navigating demanding group stages, they have showcased the nation’s growing influence in world youth football and returned home with invaluable lessons, experiences and memories that will shape their careers for years to come. Having captains from both national teams is a feather in the cap of the Academy Coaches’ mission to develop leaders.

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Lessons from Tinashe-Shingai Mukandatsama’s Under-20 World Cup Experience

Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine

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