South Africa’s national Under-20 team has been boosted by SAFA and Mamelodi Sundowns’ agreement to release Asekho Tiwani for the upcoming Under-20 AFCON, while Orlando Pirates’ Mbekezeli Mbokazi remains unavailable.
Tiwani is expected to take on the role of captain for South Africa’s Under-20 national team.
Nonetheless, Sundowns are gearing up for a crucial semi-final clash against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League. They played a goalless draw at home against the reigning African champions on Saturday, with the return match set to take place in Cairo on Friday.
With Divine Lunga’s participation in doubt after he missed the first-leg, Sundowns could heavily depend on Tiwani. Lunga had to exit the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs recently due to injury.
In that instance, he was replaced by Tiwani, who is in his first season with Sundowns. In the game against Ahly, Aubrey Modiba started, but later made way for the 19-year-old Tiwani. Masandawana also have the services of Terrence Mashego in his position.
SUNDOWNS GIVE GREENLIGHT FOR TIWANI AFTER AHLY CLASH
According to a Sundowns source, the club and SAFA have reached an understanding that Tiwani will stay in Cairo after their game against Al Ahly.
South Africa’s Under-20 squad will kick off their AFCON campaign with a Group A matchup against hosts Egypt on April 27, with the tournament running until May 18.
Last week, Tiwani expressed his desire to represent the country but stated that the decision ultimately rested with the club.
“They have not said anything. I think any youngster would be happy to go 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.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will seemingly hold onto Mbokazi with no agreement in place. Mbokazi has risen to become an important part of the Bucs’ defence. With centre-backs Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane still not back from injury, Jose Riveiro’s charges are thin on options in the heart of defence.
After their clash against Pyramids in Cairo, they turn their focus to the Soweto Derby. Thereafter, they prepare for the final of the Nedbank Cup against Kaizer Chiefs.
Chiefs, on the other hand, released teenage sensation Mfundo Vilakazi for the AFCON Under-20. The team will play a friendly match against Sekhukhune United on Tuesday in Johannesburg.
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