A Kaizer Chiefs starlet has made the cut as coach Raymond Mdaka announced the updated Amajita squad set to compete in the upcoming Under-20 AFCON.
The biennial international youth tournament is scheduled to be staged in Egypt from April 27th to May 18th, 2025. Senegal enters the tournament as the defending champion.
South Africa’s U-20 national team are in Group A, where they will compete against the host nation, Egypt, as well as Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.
Following the initial squad announcement two weeks ago, the revised squad sees the inclusion of Naledi Hlongwane, a promising young talent from the Soweto giants.
Hlongwane becomes the fifth Chiefs player named in the final AFCON U-20 squad. He joins his club teammates Takalani Mazhamba, Mfundo Vilakazi, Gopolang Taunyane, and Sifiso Timba in the national selection.
The 19-year-old Hlongwane’s inclusion comes on the back of impressive performances in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC], where the recently promoted first-team player has showcased excellent form. He has netted 12 goals for log leaders Amakhosi who are on the verge of securing their first DDC league title.
NALEDI HLONGWANE INCLUDED IN MDAKA’S REVISED AMAJITA AFCON SQUAD
Hlongwane was initially named among the standby players, alongside Gabriel Amato, Thato Sibiya, and Thato Mpati.
Coach Mdaka has named Mamelodi Sundowns DDC defender Thato Sibiya as the replacement for Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the final squad. Mbokazi’s withdrawal came after Orlando Pirates declined to release him due to his pivotal role in their ongoing campaigns in the CAF Champions League, Nedbank Cup, and Betway Premiership, which coincide with the AFCON U-20 tournament schedule.
Mdaka will also be without the services of key players Shandre Campbell, whose club refused his release as he is part of their first team, and the tournament falls outside the FIFA international window. Additionally, Siyabonga Mabena is sidelined due to injury.
Meanwhile, Mdaka and his troops arrived in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday to commence their AFCON journey. Interestingly, captain Asekho Tiwani, who is currently in Cairo with Sundowns for their Champions League semi-final match against Al Ahly, will remain in Egypt to join the national U-20 team following the Tshwane giants’ fixture.
UPDATED FINAL AFCON 2025 FINAL SQUAD: AMAJITA
GOALKEEPERS
Fletcher Lowe, Takalani Mazhamba, Kgoleng Ratisani.
DEFENDERS
Gopolang Taunyane, Tylon Smith, Sifiso Timba, Asekho Tiwani, Siviwe Nkwali, Neo Rapoo, Thato Sibiya.
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, Naledi Hlongwane.
RELATED STORY: Campbell omitted as Mbokazi, Vilakazi headline SA U-20 AFCON squad