Amajita might have to do without Mbekezeli Mbokazi at the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON], despite the Orlando Pirates defender being named in the final 21-man squad, FARPost has learnt.
Mbokazi was included in the squad by coach Raymond Mdaka for the African international youth football tournament set to take place from 27 April to 18 May in Egypt.
South Africa has been drawn in group A alongside the hosts Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone and Tanzania.
The top four teams in the tournament will secure a qualification spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025. The squad is set to go into camp in Johannesburg on 20 April 2025
WHY MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI MIGHT NOT BE PART OF SOUTH AFRICA AT AFCON
This publication has gathered that Mbokazi is no longer available to travel with the Amajita side due to his club’s important fixtures during the tournament.
The 19-year-old Mbokazi has become a key player in the Pirates senior team since making his first-team debut in March. His display hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the left-footed player getting two Man of the Match awards. The Buccaneers haven’t lost a match since Mbokazi made his debut against Chippa United on 5 March.
HECTIC SCHEDULE FORCES ORLANDO PIRATES DEFENDER TO WITHDRAW FROM YOUTH TOURNAMENT
On the dates when the U-20 AFCON tournament will be underway in Egypt, Pirates are set to play some crucial fixtures. This includes the back-to-back Soweto Derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Both in the Betway Premiership and the Nedbank Cup final in Durban. The Buccaneers are also in the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Another player who is set to miss the tournament is star player Shandre Campbell, who was also not released by Club Brugge in Belgium. The tournament falls outside the FIFA International calendar.
RELATED STORY: How a sjambok forced Mbekezeli Mbokazi into professional football
