WeeklySA_AdminFORMAT: Nearly 1 000 matches will give young players from around the world a chance to compete in Baku next month. South Africa is among the 191 nations taking part…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
FIFA has confirmed that 191 of its 211 member associations will take part in the inaugural U-15 World Cup & Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 22 and 30.
In details released earlier today, FIFA said the boys’ tournament will bring more than 3 000 players, coaches and officials to the Azerbaijani capital. Nearly 1 000 matches are planned, with facilities capable of hosting 20 fixtures at the same time.
The competition will use an eight-a-side format on smaller pitches.
Matches will consist of two 20-minute halves, giving players born in 2011 or 2012 a chance to experience international football at an early age. Each association may bring 14 players and up to six staff members.
Teams will first play four or five matches in a round-robin stage. Their results will place them in one of six performance tiers for a further four or five matches. Every side will continue playing until the final matchday, with the winner of the top tier crowned champion.
Most matches will be staged at Baku’s Hovsan Competition Complex, while the tier finals will take place at Crystal Hall.
FIFA says the event is designed to give young players meaningful international competition, including those from countries that seldom qualify for its established tournaments. Its chief of global football development, Arsène Wenger, said bringing players together would expose them to different playing styles and cultures while helping associations assess and develop their talent.
The first edition is for boys’ teams. A girls’ competition is planned for 2027, with separate tournaments for boys and girls envisaged annually from 2028.
South Africa will be represented by an SA U-15 boys’ team coached by Selekedi Mogale, who led the national U-16 side in friendly matches in Bulgaria earlier this year. SAFA said on 4 September that the squad would assemble for a training camp on 13 October.
SAFA technical director Molefi Ntseki welcomed the opportunity to introduce players to international football earlier in their development.
“We do not take this lightly and will put together a strong team that will not only go there to compete but most importantly, to also learn,” Ntseki said. “This helps our efforts to build a perfect career pathway from the juniors all the way to the top.”
