Shock as Pirates Star Mbokazi Misses Out on South Africa’s U20 World Cup Squad
South Africa’s U20 coach, Raymond Mdaka, has named his final 21-man squad for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, and the shock omission of Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has sparked major debate among supporters.
Amajita ride a wave of confidence into the global tournament after a remarkable two years, clinching the 2024 COSAFA Cup and lifting the 2025 AFCON U20 title. The team now faces a challenging test in Group E, where they will take on France, the USA, and tournament debutants New Caledonia.
Balanced Squad With Local and International Talent
Mdaka has stuck with the core of the squad that brought continental glory, blending locally based stars with two exciting overseas players. Only foreign-based players, Queens Park Rangers centre-back Tylon Smith and Estoril Praia goalkeeper Fletcher Smyth-Lowe, bring European experience that could prove vital.
Captain Asekho Tiwani, back from the knee injury that ruled him out of the AFCON knockout rounds, will once again lead the side. Stand-in skipper Patrick Autata is set to take on a key leadership role, while Kaizer Chiefs striker Luke Baartman returns after missing the AFCON tournament.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s Absence the Big Talking Point
While the squad is packed with quality, all eyes are on the surprising exclusion of Mbokazi. The Pirates co-captain has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Betway Premiership, with many tipping him as a certain starter in Chile.
Orlando Pirates opted not to release the 20-year-old because of his importance in their domestic and CAF Champions League campaigns. Coach Mdaka admitted he would have loved to include Mbokazi but ultimately had to respect the club’s decision.
Belgian-based winger Shandre Campbell is another key absentee, as Club Brugge declined to release him outside of the FIFA international window. Campbell, recently promoted to the senior team, has featured in two substitute appearances in the Jupiler Pro League this season.
Also read: Hugo Broos Labels Mbekezeli Mbokazi Bafana Bafana’s Next Big Star
A Tough Group Awaits Amajita
South Africa will open their campaign against European heavyweights France on 29 September, followed by a must-win clash against New Caledonia on 3 October, before rounding off the group stage against the USA two days later.
With only the top two teams in each group and the four best third-placed finishers advancing to the Round of 16, Amajita will need to be sharp from the first whistle. Their continental triumphs have given them belief, but they will face a step up in quality against some of the world’s best youth teams.
Time for South Africa’s Stars to Step Up
Despite the absence of Mbokazi and Campbell, this Amajita side is brimming with young talent eager to make their mark on the global stage. Baartman, Autata, and Tiwani will be key players to watch as Mdaka looks to guide South Africa to the knockout rounds.
Fans can catch all of South Africa’s group stage matches live on SABC Sport, with the nation fully behind Mdaka’s men as they aim to deliver another historic run.
If Amajita can carry their winning mentality into Chile, they could surprise the world – and prove that this generation is ready to take South African football to the next level.
Related article: Mbekezeli Mbokazi Shines as Bafana Bafana’s Next Star Poised for Europe
