South African boys (5)

I believe the answer is:

natal

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'south' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for natal that I've seen before include "Pertaining to birth" , "South African place" , "South African region" , "Like a birthday" , "Relating to deliveries" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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