Head coach of South Africa’s under-20 men’s team, Raymond Mdaka, on Thursday announced his final squad for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off in Egypt later this month.
Mdaka has named a strong 21-man squad, which includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, eight midfielders, and three forwards.
Coach Ray Mdaka names the team to represent SA at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations. pic.twitter.com/NyRJN8urCV
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) April 10, 2025
The tactician has called upon four players from PSL Reserve League leaders Kaizer Chiefs, while there are three players each from Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, Stellenbosch, and Cape Town City.
Meanwhile, Mdaka also named the quartet of Gabriel Amato, Thato Sibiya, Thato Mpati, and Naledi Hlongwane to the standby list.
Amajita qualified for the tournament last year after winning the COSAFA Cup and are drawn in a tough Group B where they will face hosts Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco.
Full South African 21-man final squad list for U20 AFCON
Goalkeepers: Fletcher Lowe-Smythe (Estoril), Takalani Mazhamba (Chiefs), Kgoleng Ratisani (Sekhukhune)
Defenders: Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Pirates), Gopolang Taunyana (Chiefs), Tylon Smith (Stellenbosch), Sifiso Timba (Chiefs), Asekho Tiwani (Sundowns), Siviwe Nkwali (Spurs), Neo Rapoo (Supersport)
Midfielders: Gomolemo Kekana (Sundowns), Patrick Autata (Ct City). Lazola Maku (Supersport), Mfundo Vilakazi (Chiefs), Faiz Abrahams (Stellenbosch), Langelihle Phili (Stellenbosch), Shakeel April (Ct City), Kutlwano Lethlaku (Sundowns)
Forwards: Jody Ah Shene (Ct City), Thabang Mahlangu (Supersport), Kgomotso Modiba (Stars Of Africa)
Players On Standby: Gabriel Amato (Ct City), Thato Sibiya (Sundowns), Naledi Hlongwane (Chiefs), Thato Mpati (Magesi)
