By Mpho Moloi
The South African U20 Men’s National Soccer Team, known as Amajita, will officially report for camp on Sunday, 22 September 2024, ahead of the much-anticipated COSAFA U20 Championships, taking place in Maputo, Mozambique, from 25 September 2024 to 5 October 2024. Head Coach Raymond Mdaka and his team aim to excel in this regional tournament, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Preparation for the COSAFA U20 Championships
As Amajita prepares to embark on their journey for the COSAFA U20 Championships, head coach Raymond Mdaka has named his final squad, comprising a mixture of local talents and two international players—Fletcher Smythe-Lowe from Portugal and Shandre Campbell from Belgium. One notable inclusion in the squad is U17 standout Emile Witbooi, whose talent has been closely followed by the South African football community.
This year’s COSAFA tournament is more than just about regional dominance for Amajita—it’s a crucial stepping stone for them to secure qualification for the 2025 CAF U20 AFCON, which serves as a gateway to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup. Speaking to SAFA.net, Mdaka emphasized the importance of this tournament, stating, “Our main goal is to qualify for the 2025 U20 FIFA World Cup, and to do so, we need to reach the top two of this tournament.”
Challenges in Player Availability
Despite assembling a strong squad, Mdaka faced challenges in securing the release of several key players from their clubs. The COSAFA U20 tournament overlaps with the domestic football calendar, and many clubs hesitated to release their players due to ongoing league commitments. Nevertheless, Mdaka expressed confidence in the squad, saying, “We are grateful to all the clubs who released their players, and we will ensure that we accomplish the mission at hand.”
Amajita’s Group Stage Matches
Amajita has been placed in Group C for the tournament, where they will face three formidable opponents: Malawi, Lesotho, and Comoros. Their opening match will be against Malawi on 27 September 2024 at ABB Stadium, followed by a clash with Lesotho on 29 September 2024. The group stage will conclude with a match against Comoros on 1 October 2024.
The South African team’s objective is clear: secure a spot in the semi-finals, scheduled for 3 October 2024. If they perform well, they will advance to the final on 5 October 2024, aiming to lift the coveted COSAFA U20 trophy.
Team Composition and Key Players
Coach Mdaka’s final squad consists of a balanced mix of experienced players and promising young talent. Here is the breakdown of the squad:
Goalkeepers:
• Fletcher Smythe-Lowe (Astoria Praia – Portugal)
• Takalani Mazhamba (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
• Kgoleng Ratisani (Sekhukhune FC)Defenders:
• Mbekezele Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates FC)
• Tylon Smith (Stellenbosch FC)
• Gopolang Taunyana (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
• Asekho Tiwani (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
• Sifiso Timba (Kaizer Chiefs FC)Midfielders:
• Gomolemo Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
• Ofentse Kgosana (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
• Mfundo Vilakazi (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
• Siyabonga Mabena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
• Lazola Maku (Supersport United FC)
• Shakeel April (Cape Town City FC)
• Lefa Autata (TS Galaxy)
• Shandre Campbell (Club NXT – Belgium)
• Xhosa Manyama (Cape Town City FC)
• Emile Witbooi (Cape Town City FC)Forwards:
• Kutlwano Letlhaku (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
• Thabang Mahlangu (Supersport United FC)The inclusion of international players like Smythe-Lowe and Campbell is expected to bring a diverse tactical advantage to the squad, while the presence of young talents such as Witbooi reflects Mdaka’s confidence in youth development.
Head Coach Raymond Mdaka’s Vision
Since his appointment, Mdaka has made it clear that his tenure is focused on long-term development, aiming to establish Amajita as one of the strongest youth teams in Africa. His primary goal is to secure a spot in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, and he sees the COSAFA U20 Championships as the first crucial step towards that achievement.
In an interview with SAFA.net, Mdaka shared his strategy for the tournament: “We have a robust squad that blends youth with experience. I believe we can compete at the highest level and achieve our goal of reaching the 2025 CAF U20 AFCON. It’s important that we take one game at a time, but our eyes are set on the bigger picture.”
COSAFA U20 Championships: A Launchpad for Future Stars
The COSAFA U20 tournament has historically been a platform where future stars of Southern African football are discovered. Past participants who have gone on to have successful professional careers include Percy Tau and Lebo Mothiba, both of whom used the tournament as a springboard to Europe and the senior national team, Bafana Bafana.
With the stakes high and a lot of expectations from local fans, this year’s competition offers another opportunity for South African players to showcase their talents on a regional stage and build momentum ahead of future international competitions.
Upcoming Matches and Tournament Fixtures
The tournament schedule promises exciting matches across all groups. Here are the key fixtures for Amajita in the group stage:
• 27 September 2024: South Africa vs Malawi – ABB Stadium, 15h00
• 29 September 2024: South Africa vs Lesotho – ABB Stadium, 15h00
• 1 October 2024: South Africa vs Comoros – ABB Stadium, 15h00The semi-finals are scheduled for 3 October 2024, followed by the final on 5 October 2024, where the two best teams in the competition will face off for the championship.
All matches will be broadcast live, and the South African Football Association (SAFA) has encouraged local fans to follow the games closely and support the team as they embark on their journey.
Key Players to Watch
Several players in the Amajita squad are expected to shine in the upcoming tournament. Among them is Siyabonga Mabena, the Mamelodi Sundowns starlet who has already earned praise for his impressive performances in the local league. Another player to watch is Tylon Smith from Stellenbosch FC, a strong defender known for his excellent positioning and leadership on the field.
Additionally, Emile Witbooi is a name that fans will be keeping an eye on. At just 17 years old, Witbooi has already made waves in the U17 division, and his inclusion in the U20 squad is a testament to his incredible potential.
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