Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mfundo Vilakazi has been named in the final South African Under-20 squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] in Egypt, headlining a group of four Amkhosi players selected.
The African international youth football tournament will be staged in Egypt from 27 April – 18 May 2025 and Senegal will be eager to defend their title.
Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka announced his 21-man squad on Friday with four are on standby.
The four players from Chiefs that have secured spots in the final SA U-20 squad, include first-team player Vilakazi, who continues to showcase his skills at the highest level, alongside development squad talents Takalani Mazhamba, Gopolang Taunyana, and Sifiso Timba.
Additionally, Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] star Naledi Hlongwane has been named as one of four standby players, offering depth to the squad. Hlongwane on the list is joined by Gabriel Amato, Thato Sibiya, and Thato Mpati.
South Africa are a tough group for the U-20 AFCON, facing stiff competition from the host nation, Egypt, as well as renowned footballing nations Nigeria and Morocco. Mdaka’s troops are scheduled to begin their campaign against Morocco on April 30. This will be followed by a crucial match against the hosts, Egypt, just three days later. SA will end their group stage campaign with a highly anticipated encounter against Nigeria on May 6.
The stakes are high, as the four semi-finalists of the tournament will automatically qualify to represent Africa in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Chile in September. This presents a significant opportunity for the young South African players to showcase their talents on an international stage.
“The club extends its warmest congratulations to the players selected and wishes the team well at the tournament,” said Chiefs.
Meanwhile SA U-20 coach added: “The list consists of the core of the team, the players we have had since the start of our preparations and through to COSAFA.
“We also have players we did not have in Mozambique, the likes of Mfundo Vilakazi, Asekho Tiwane, Langelihle Phili and Siviwe Nkwali. This list is minus Shandre Campbell, whose team (Club Brugge in Belgium) has cited issues of him being in the first team, and also issues of their championship.”