Raymond Mdaka, Amajita’s head coach, faces significant challenges in preparing for the 2025 Under-20 AFCON due to Shandre Campbell’s unavailability and the uncertain status of other players.
Mdaka and his side are set to participate in the biennial African youth football tournament from 27 April to 18 May 2025 in Egypt.
They have been drawn in Group A, which is considered to be the toughest of the three groups. South Africa will face three-time champions Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.
With Campbell not available due to Club Brugge’s refusal to release him, Mdaka could face more headaches leading up to the tournament. This publication has learnt that Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is another player whose involvement at the U-20 AFCON is uncertain.
HOW COACH RAYMOND MDAKA IS HANDLING THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF NOT HAVING A KEY PLAYER
Speaking on Sports Night Amplified on Metro FM on Wednesday, Mdaka acknowledged that going to the AFCON without his key players could be a setback.
“These are some of the things I don’t even want to think about. It’s a situation that one would not expect more so because throughout we had positive communication with the team [Club Brugge]. We felt we were going to have him [Shandre Campbell]. But it’s just something that we have to close the chapter,” said Mdaka.
NO EXCUSE FOR AMAJITA COACH IF SOME PLAYERS JOIN SHANDRE CAMPBELL IN U-20 AFCON SNUB
“We wouldn’t [want to] say we lost [at the AFCON] because some of the players were not there. We shall have lost in the field of play,” declared the coach.
Mdaka added that the uncertainty surrounding player releases is causing major disruptions. He is unable to discuss the squad as registration is still ongoing, and players could be pulled out at any time.
“It’s not something good for us, and even now, if someone were to ask me to talk about the players, I wouldn’t because we are still in a process in terms of registration.
“The only one we knew even before we released the team was Shandre [Campbell] because they [Club Brugge] had written an email. But as I speak now, I can only confirm on Monday when everyone is there to say this is where we are in terms of the players, but I am crossing my fingers.”
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