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Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mfundo Vilakazi lead the roster announced by South Africa’s U-20 coach for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Coach Mdaka has disclosed a squad comprising 21 players alongside four reserves. The standby players include Gabriel Amato, Thato Sibiya, Naledi Hlongwane, and Thato Mpati.
The complete squad, along with the reserve players, will assemble for a training camp in Johannesburg, commencing on April 20th.
Mbokazi has distinguished himself as a key player for Orlando Pirates since making his PSL debut in March against Chippa United in the Betway Premiership. In his first seven appearances for the Soweto club, Pirates secured victories in five matches, including wins over Mamelodi Sundowns in the league and MC Alger in the opening leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.
He also contributed to the defense in the second leg match against Alger at Orlando Stadium, which ended in a draw on Wednesday. Impressively, he has garnered three man-of-the-match awards during this period.
Other notable players in the squad include Asekho Tiwane, a left-back from Mamelodi Sundowns, and Stellenbosch’s Langelihle Phili.
“This squad represents the core group we’ve retained since our initial preparations and throughout COSAFA. Additionally, we have several players who missed the Mozambique matches, such as Mfundo Vilakazi, Asekho Tiwane, Langelihle Phili, and Siviwe Nkwali. It’s important to mention that Shandre Campbell is not on this list as his club (Club Brugge in Belgium) has reported difficulties concerning his involvement in the first team,” stated Mdaka.
The biennial African international youth football tournament is set to occur in Egypt from April 27 to May 18, with Senegal as the defending champions.
The four semi-finalists from the 2025 U-20 AFCON will represent Africa at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile in September 2025.
