South Africa’s U20 head coach Raymond Mdaka has officially named his 21-man squad for the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, and the biggest talking point is the absence of Orlando Pirates star defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Amajita head into the tournament full of confidence after a stellar run on the continent, where they were crowned 2024 COSAFA Champions and 2025 U20 AFCON Champions. Their campaign begins on 29 September when they take on France in their Group E opener, before facing New Caledonia and the USA in what promises to be a testing group stage.
Mdaka Trusts Battle-Tested Core
Mdaka has opted for a largely local-based squad featuring top talent from Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Siwelele FC, and Cape Town City. Overseas representation comes in the form of Queens Park Rangers centre-back Tylon Smith and Portugal-based goalkeeper Fletcher Smyth-Lowe, giving the side a mix of international exposure and domestic chemistry.
Captain Asekho Tiwani returns to lead the team after recovering from the knee injury that cut short his AFCON campaign earlier this year. Stand-in skipper Patrick Autata will provide additional leadership, while Kaizer Chiefs’ exciting new signing Luke Baartman has earned a recall to bolster the attack after missing the AFCON tournament.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Campbell’s Omission Raises Eyebrows
Despite being one of Orlando Pirates’ most consistent performers and a co-captain this season, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been left out of the travelling squad. According to sources, Pirates exercised their right to keep him with the club due to his importance in their domestic and continental campaigns.
Mdaka had previously hinted that he would have liked to include the defender, which has left many supporters questioning the decision and expressing disappointment on social media.
Belgian-based winger Shandre Campbell is another notable absentee. Club Brugge refused to release the 20-year-old outside the FIFA international window, as he has been promoted to the senior team this season.
Amajita’s Road in Chile
South Africa’s group fixtures will be broadcast live on SABC Sport, allowing fans back home to rally behind the team. Their first match against France will be a tough opener, followed by a potentially decisive clash with debutants New Caledonia before rounding off the group stage against the USA.
With the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed sides qualifying for the Round of 16, Mdaka’s squad will be targeting at least one win and a strong showing in all three matches to secure progression.
Can Amajita Shine on the World Stage?
Despite the high-profile absences, Mdaka remains optimistic that his squad has what it takes to compete with the world’s best. The team’s recent continental success and the depth of talent available give them belief heading into the tournament.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the young stars step up without Mbokazi and Campbell, with many predicting a breakout tournament for Baartman and Tiwani.
If Amajita can build on their AFCON-winning momentum and navigate the group stage, they could emerge as one of the dark horses in Chile.
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