South Africa’s U-20 coach, Raymond Mdaka, has announced his final 21-man squad for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, set to run from September 27 to October 19 later this year.
Amajita secured their spot by winning the U-20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in May, and will be joined by fellow continental representatives Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt.
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The final squad features 17 players from the successful AFCON campaign, but it’s the notable omissions that have made headlines.
Two of South Africa’s brightest young talents, winger Shandre Campbell and defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, will not be joining the team in Chile.
Key Absences: Campbell and Mbokazi
The absence of Shandre Campbell, who plays for Club Brugge in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League, is due to his club’s refusal to release him. Since the tournament falls outside of the official FIFA international window, clubs are not obligated to release their players.
Similarly, Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Orlando Pirates will miss out. As a vital cog and co-captain for the Buccaneers since last season, the club has chosen to exercise its right to keep the defender, underlining his importance to their plans.
Squad Highlights
Despite these setbacks, Mdaka has selected a strong, largely local-based squad. The two foreign-based players are Queens Park Rangers centre-back Tylon Smith, who was named Best Player at the U-20 AFCON, and Portugal-based goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe-Smythe, who was awarded Best Goalkeeper at the same tournament.
The team will also be bolstered by the return of captain Asekho Tiwani of Mamelodi Sundowns, who makes a comeback after a knee injury cut his AFCON campaign short. He will be joined by stand-in skipper Patrick Autata, ensuring strong leadership on the pitch. Additionally, Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing Luke Baartman has been included after missing the continental tournament.
Tournament Details
Amajita have been drawn into Group E and will kick off their campaign on Monday, September 29, against France. They will then face New Caledonia on October 3 and the USA two days later.
The top two teams from each of the six groups will automatically advance to the Round of 16, with the four best third-placed teams also earning a spot in the knockout stage.
Full 21-man squad
Goalkeepers:
Fletcher Lowe-Smythe (Estoril)
Takalani Mazhamba (Chiefs)
Kgoleng Ratisani (Sekhukhune)
Defenders:
Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)
Sifiso Timba (Kaizer Chiefs)
Asekho Tiwani (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Siviwe Nkwali (Stellenbosch)
Neo Rapoo (Siwelele)
Thato Sibiya (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Gomolemo Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders:
Patrick Autata (Durban City)
Lazola Maku (Siwelele)
Mfundo Vilakazi (Kaizer Chiefs)
Langelihle Phili (Stellenbosch)
Shakeel April (Cape Town City)
Kutlwano Lethlaku (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Siyabonga Mabena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Jody Ah Shene (Cape Town City)
Forwards:
Thabang Mahlangu (Siwelele)
Siviwe Magadidi (Siwelele)
Luke Baartman (Kaizer Chiefs)