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By safa.net
South African U20 men’s national team coach Raymond Mdaka has given an update on his squad ahead of their departure to the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this month.
The biennial African international youth football tournament will be held in Egypt from 27 April – 18 May 2025 and Senegal are the defending champions. The South Africans have been drawn in Group A against hosts Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone and Tanzania.
Mdaka’s charges faced Sekhukhune United in a practise match played at Bedfordview Country Club in the East Rand on Tuesday and they comfortably won the game 4-1. He said the objective of the exercise was achieved as they wanted a tough, physical and robust challenge similar to what they expect to encounter from teams they will face during the tournament.
The U20 coach further explained the logistics around the players that will join the team later, and those who are missing from the travelling squad.
“Siyabonga Mabena is injured, and he was one of the key players. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is one of the key players and we started every program with him – we thought we’d have him but unfortunately, we won’t have him,” he said.
“Regarding Asekho Tiwani, the captain, we discussed with Mamelodi Sundowns and made arrangements. Tiwani will be left in Egypt (they play against Al Ahly in Cairo in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League). We have Neo Rapoo also, we’re in constant discussions with the teams just to see how best we can help each other. SuperSport are playing a crucial match, you see their position, so we allowed him to play and then join us in Egypt.
The squad departed for Egypt on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
