Kaizer Chiefs dominate AFCON U20 qualifiers squad
The SA Football Association [SAFA] have announced the Under-20 squad for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers, and Kaizer Chiefs have once again demonstrated their dominance in nurturing young talent.
With five players selected, Chiefs have the highest representation among all participating clubs.
Amajita – U-20 will participate in the COSAFA U20 Championship in Maputo, Mozambique, from the 25th of September 2024 to the 5th of October 2024.
South Africa are determined to secure a place in the final of the COSAFA Championship, as the two finalists will earn a coveted spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The Amajita head coach, Raymond Mdaka, has named a strong squad on Tuesday evening dominated by five Kaizer Chiefs youngsters. Takalani Mazhamba, Sifiso Timba, Gopolang Taunyana, Ofentse Kgosana, and, Mfundo Vilakazi have all made the cut in Mdaka’s team.
Vilakazi is fresh from helping the Chiefs senior team claim maximum points in their first match of the Betway Premiership against Marumo Gallants at Toyota Stadium this past weekend.
The highly-rated midfielder netted a late beautiful strike in the second-half as Amakhsoi beat Gallants 2-1. Mduduzi Shabalala scored the first goal for the Soweto giants in the first-half.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS HAVE FOUR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE SA U20 SQUAD
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns have four players in the squad with the inclusion of Asekho Tiwani, Gomolemo Kekana, Siyabonga Mabena, and Kutlwano Letlhaku.
In addition, Orlando Pirates only have Mbekezele Mbokazi in the squad. Mbokazi has been one of the outstanding players for the club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side.
FULL SA’S U20 MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SQUAD:
GOALKEEPERS
Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, Takalani Mazhamba, Kgoleng Ratisani.
DEFENDERS
Mbekezele Mbokazi, Tylon Smith, Gopolang Taunyana, Asekho Tiwani, Sifiso Timba.
MIDFIELDERS
Gomolemo Kekana, Ofentse Kgosana, Mfundo Vilakazi, Siyabonga Mabena, Lazola Maku, Shakeel April, Lefa Autata, Shandre Campbell, Xhosa Manyama, Emile Witbooi.
STRIKERS
Kutlwano Letlhaku, Thabang Mahlangu.
RELATED STORY: COSAFA U20 champions welcome 2023 AFCON group draws