The surprise absence of South African rising star Shandre Campbell in the final 21-man squad that will be going to the 2025 U20 AFCON has been explained.
South Africa's Under 20s will fly off to Cote d’Ivoire for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be played between 26 April – 18 May, 2025.
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Ahead of that trip, head coach Raymond Mdaka had announced his final 21-man strong squad, which included the likes of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mfundo Vilakazi and Kutlwano Lethlaku.
Surprisingly though, Cambell, who plays his football out in Belguim for Club NXT, the reserve side of Club Brugge and has had a sensational season for the Blue-Blacks, is not listed in the squad.
The 19-year-old has impressed in the reserve division and is poised for a full step-up to the first team.
Mdaka has explained that the Belgium-based outfit was unwilling to release Campbell for the continental tournament.
"Minus in the team is Shandre, whose team has cited his team cited issues of him being in the first team and issues of [the team wanting to be competitive] in the Championship," Mdaka told SAFA media.
Another surprise omission for some sections of supporters will be that of Mamelodi Sundowns star Siyabonga Mabena. However, the 18-year-old is nursing an injury.
"Also minus in the team is Mabena, the Sundowns player who is injured," Mdaka added.
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In addition to the 21, Mdaka has named four players on standby, these are Kaizer Chiefs DDC striker Naledi Hlongwane, Cape Town City's Gabriel Amato, Mamelodi Sundowns' Thato Sibiya and Magesi's Thato Mpati.
