Takalani Mazhamba has been named the best goalkeeper of the 2026 COSAFA U20 Championship after playing a key role in Amajita’s successful title defence.
The South African goalkeeper was officially awarded the Golden Glove following an impressive tournament in Mozambique, where Amajita lifted the COSAFA U20 trophy after defeating the hosts 2-1 in Sunday’s final.
Mazhamba’s performances between the posts helped Raymond Mdaka’s side complete a perfect tournament, winning all five of their matches.
Mazhamba’s Clean-Sheet Start
Amajita made an excellent defensive start to their campaign, keeping three consecutive clean sheets during the group stage.
Those performances provided South Africa with a strong foundation as they progressed through the tournament and eventually booked their place in the final.
The goalkeeper was also called upon to make important saves during the knockout stages as the level of competition increased.
Crucial Saves in the Final
Mazhamba was again important when South Africa faced hosts Mozambique in the championship decider.
After Oarabile Booysen gave Amajita the lead and Martinho Começar equalised, Steven Mendes eventually restored South Africa’s advantage from the penalty spot.
Mozambique continued searching for an equaliser, but Mazhamba helped South Africa protect their lead.
One of his most important moments came in the closing stages when he produced a double save, first denying Diego Pelembe before stopping Hissen Socrate’s follow-up effort.
South Africa held on to win 2-1 and retain the COSAFA U20 Championship.
Golden Glove Reward
Mazhamba’s contribution was recognised when he was announced as the recipient of the Golden Glove award at the conclusion of the tournament.
The official COSAFA awards saw South Africa collect two major individual prizes, with Steven Mendes winning the Golden Boot after scoring six goals, while Mazhamba was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Mozambique’s Alírio Cuna was named Player of the Tournament, while Namibia received the Fair Play Award.
Part of a Championship-Winning Defence
Mazhamba’s individual award comes as Amajita celebrate another successful COSAFA campaign.
South Africa finished the tournament with 13 goals scored and only three conceded, winning all five of their matches.
The final victory over Mozambique also secured Amajita’s third consecutive COSAFA U20 title, following their triumphs in 2024 and 2025.
The achievement adds another chapter to Mazhamba’s development and gives the young goalkeeper an important individual honour to go with his championship medal.
Amajita Look Ahead to Ghana
South Africa and Mozambique have both qualified for the 2027 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana after reaching the COSAFA final.
Amajita will now prepare for the continental tournament, where they will have the opportunity to compete against the best U20 nations from across Africa.
For Mazhamba, the Golden Glove provides recognition for a tournament in which his performances helped South Africa navigate a successful title defence.
2026 COSAFA U20 Golden Glove
Player: Takalani Mazhamba
Country: South Africa
Team: Amajita
Award: Golden Glove
Tournament: COSAFA U20 Championship
Final: South Africa 2-1 Mozambique
South Africa’s record: 5 wins from 5 matches
Goals conceded: 3
Result: COSAFA U20 champions
