Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mfundo Vilakazi are among the final 21-man squad that head coach Raymond Mdaka has named for the upcoming 2025 U20 AFCON.
The squad was unveiled on Thursday morning and remains mostly unchanged from the squad that won the Under 20 COSAFA earlier this year.
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Mamelodi Sundowns' Asekho Tiwani is expected to captain the side, while teammate Gomolemo Kekana also returns to provide stability in the middle of the park.
Both Soweto giants will be without some of their most vital players in Mbokazi and Vilakazi, who have had their breakthrough seasons with Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, respectively.
"The team consists of the core of the team; the players we had since our first preparations, through to Cosafa. We also have players whom we did not have in Mozambique, the likes of Mfundo, Asekho, Langelihle," Mdaka told SAFA Media shortly after announcing the squad.
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The 2025 U20 AFCON will take place between 26 April and 18 May 2025, and will see 13 nations battle it out not only for continental glory, but for four qualification spots up for grabs for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 to be played in Chile later this year.
South Africa is in Group B alongside Morocco, Egpyt and Nigeria.
FULL SQUAD:
Fletcher Lowe-Smythe
Takalani Mazhamba
Kgoleng Raisani
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Gopolang Taunyane
Tylon Smith
Sifisi Timba
Asekho Tiwane
Siviwe Nkwali
Neo Rapoo
Gomolemo Gekana
Patric Autata
Lazola Maku
Mfundo Vilakazi
Faiz Abrahams
Langelihle Phili
Shaiek April
Kutlwano Lethlaku
Jody Ah Shene
Thabanga Mahlangu
Kgomots Modiba
