While some Betway Premiership clubs have refused to release their players for the 2025 Under-20 AFCON tournament, Kaizer Chiefs have given rising star Mfundo Vilakazi the nod to travel with the Raymond Mdaka-coached team.
Mdaka has called a strong 21-member team that includes the likes of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Asekho Tiwani for the upcoming tournament. The team assembles in Johannesburg on Sunday 20 April, to start preparing for the tournament. Egypt will host this year’s edition that runs from 27 April to 18 May.
However, Mbokazi, who is becoming an important part of Orlando Pirates’ defence, will not be joining the team. The 19-year-old left-footed centre back started for the Bucs when they hosted Egyptian side Pyramids on Saturday in the CAF Champions League. He is expected to start when they travel to the return leg in Cairo on Friday.
There is uncertainty over the availability of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Asekho Tiwani, who is expected to captain the side.
“They have not said anything. Any youngster would be happy to represent their country because it’s a big tournament. You are not representing yourself. Yes, I’d be happy [to join the squad], but it’s not up to me. The team will decide,” Tiwani told the media at Chloorkop on Thursday. “At this stage, I don’t know [if he will be joining the squad].”
WHAT’S THE SITUATION ON MFUNDO VILAKAZI
His Sundowns teammate Gomolemo Kekana is available and is expected to join the camp. Vilakazi, on the other hand, was cleared by the club to participate in the tournament. The 19-year-old has made four starts and come off the bench 23 times for the Amakhosi senior team this season. He has scored three goals and provided one assist.
‘Obrigado’ was not part of the travelling party to Gqeberha where Chiefs played a goalless draw on Saturday. Mdaka will be relieved by the availability of Stellenbosch FC forward Langelihle Phili. The 20-year-old travelled with Stellies for their semi-final clash against Simba SC in Tanzania and is set to join camp on Monday.
“The team consists of the core of the team; the players we had since our first preparations, through to Cosafa. We also have players whom we did not have in Mozambique, the likes of Mfundo, Asekho, Langelihle,” Mdaka told SAFA Media recently.
The U20 AFCON will feature 13 nations battling for continental glory and four qualification spots for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025, which will be held in Chile later this year. South Africa is in Group B alongside Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria. They kick off the campaign with a clash against hosts Egypt on Sunday, 27 April.
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