SA U-20 begins COSAFA Cup quest without Chiefs starlet Mfundo Vilakazi

South Africa’s Under-20 national team is embarking on its COSAFA Cup journey in Mozambique without Kaizer Chiefs’ rising star, Mfundo Vilakazi.

The young midfielder, who featured in Chiefs’ midweek victory, will stay with his club for their upcoming clash against Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite efforts by the SAFA, they couldn’t secure Vilakazi’s release for the tournament.

The Raymond Mdaka-coached side will face Malawi in their opening Group C match on Friday, followed by Lesotho on Sunday and Comoros on Tuesday. Cape Town Spurs‘ fullback Siviwe Nkwali is also unavailable due to his club’s refusal to release him.

Newly signed Mamelodi Sundowns Asekho Tiwani also looks set to play a big role for his club on Saturday when they face Vilakazi’s Chiefs. The Under 20 captain has also not traveled to neighbouring Mozambique.

In the absence of 18-year-old Vilakazi, who already boasts a goal in two appearances for Amakhosi, Mdaka will rely on Shandre Campbell, a left winger who recently joined Club NXT, the youth academy of Belgian side Club Brugge. Mdaka also has promising Mamelodi Sundowns forward Siyabonga Mabena at his disposal.

SOUTH AFRICA’S COSAFA UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIP LEGACY

South Africa has a storied history in the COSAFA U-20 Championship, having won the title a record eight times. This year’s tournament holds extra significance as it serves as a qualifier for the 2025 CAF U20 AFCON, with two spots up for grabs.

South Africa has qualified for the continental showpiece eight times, achieving a silver medal in 1997 and a third-place finish in 2019. They face a tough group stage, drawn alongside Malawi, Lesotho, and Comoros in Group C. Only the top team in each group, along with the best-placed runner-up, will advance to the semifinals.

South Africa’s recent COSAFA U-20 Championship performances include reaching the final in 2016, winning back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, and finishing third in 2022.

 SOUTH AFRICA FINISHES IN LAST 25 YEARS

1999 – Runners-up

2000 – Winners

2001 – Fourth

2002 – Third

2003 – Third

2004 – Winners

2005 – Fourth

2006 – Winners

2007 – Runners-up

2008 – Winners

2009 – Winners

2010 – Group stages

2011 – Group stages

2013 – Winners

2016 – Runners-up

2017 – Winners

2018 – Winners

2019 – Runners-up

2020 – Group stages

2022 – Third

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