Coach Raymond Mdaka has announced his final Amajita squad for the CAF 2025 AFCON Under-20 tournament set to be held in Egypt.
The SA U-20 coach, Mdaka, initially named his 30-member preliminary squad four weeks ago. On Thursday, 10 April, he trimmed it to 21 final squad.
Amajita are drawn in Group B with hosts Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco. The tournament will start on 26 April and end on 18 May 2025.
The U-20 AFCON tournament will be made up of 13 countries that will be competing for the trophy.
Talented players such as Mfundo ‘Obrigado’ Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates’ Mbekezeli ‘TLB’ Mbokazi have made the cut in Amajita’s final squad.
WHY SHANDRE CAMPBELL NOT SELECTED FOR AFCON U-20 TOURNAMENT
In Amajita’s final squad, there was a notable absentee in the name of Shandre Campbell, who is plying his trade for the Belgian giants, Club Brugge.
FARPost has established that Brugge opposed releasing Campbell for the AFCON tournament, which is played outside of the FIFA calendar. Therefore, clubs are not obligated to release players.
However, three weeks ago, Mdaka was confident that Brugge would allow the 19-year-old Campbell to join Amajita for the AFCON competition as they were in discussions with the club and agreed he would be part of the SA U-20 squad.
Campbell was very influential in helping Amajita qualify for the AFCON tournament. The SuperSport United product scored three goals during the COSAFA U-20 Championship.
AMAJITA FINAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Fletcher Lowe, Takalani Mazhamba, Kgoleng Ratisani.
DEFENDERS
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Gopolang Taunyane, Tylon Smith, Sifiso Timba, Asekho Tiwani, Siviwe Nkwali, Neo Rapoo
MIDFIELDERS
Gomolemo Kekana, Patrick Autata, Lazola Maku, Mfundo Vilakazi, Faiz Abrahams, Langalihle Phili, Shakiel April, Kutlwano Lethlaku.
FORWARDS
Jody Ah Shene, Thabang Mahlangu, and Kgomotso Modiba.
PLAYERS ON STANDBY
Gabriel Amato, Thato Sibiya, Naledi Hlongwane, and Thato Mpati.
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