South Africa U-20 head coach Raymond Mdaka has officially announced his preliminary squad ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile from 27 Sept 2025 – 20 Oct 2025. The provisional list features a strong blend of domestic talent and overseas-based stars, reflecting the depth of the country’s youth football structures.
The squad includes 30 players, with a number of familiar names who have already begun to make waves in the Betway Premiership and abroad.
Rising Stars Abroad
Among the standout selections is Fletcher Smythe-Lowe of Estoril Praia FC (Portugal), Tylon Smith from Queens Park Rangers (England), Shakeel April of Club Brugge (Belgium), and Faiz Abrahams, who is making his mark at Hapoel Kfar Saba (Israel). Their inclusion underlines South Africa’s growing footprint in European football development.
Domestic Core
Locally, the country’s football giants dominate the call-up list:
- Kaizer Chiefs contribute heavily with Takalani Mazhamba, Sfiso Timba, Gopolong Taunyane, Naledi Hlongwane, Luke Baartman, and Thato Mpati.
- Mamelodi Sundowns provide key talents such as Asekho Tiwani, Thato Sibiya, Gomolemo Kekana, Kutlwano Letlhaku, and Siyabonga Mabena.
- Cape Town City, Siwelele FC, and Stellenbosch FC also feature prominently, showcasing the nationwide spread of youth development.
Familiar Names in Youth Football
Several players already carry reputations from their academy exploits and national youth tournaments, including Shandre Campbell, Siviwe Magidigidi, and Mfundo Vilakazi. Fans will also be eager to see the continued growth of Siyabonga Mabena, who has steadily risen through Sundowns’ ranks.
Full Preliminary Squad
Players: Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, Takalani Mazhamba, Kgoleng Ratisani, Musa Masemola, Sfiso Timba, Asekho Tiwani, Neo Rapoo, Gopolong Taunyane, Siviwe Nkwali, Thato Sibiya, Tylon Smith, Lazola Maku, Patrick Autata, Gomolemo Kekana, Simphiwe Selepe, Faiz Abrahams, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Langelihle Phili, Kgomotso Madiba, Mfundo Vilakazi, Shakeel April, Shandre Campbell, Siyabonga Mabena, Thabang Mahlangu, Jody Ah Shene, Siviwe Magidigidi, Naledi Hlongwane, Luke Baartman, Thato Mpati, Gabriel Amato.
Looking Ahead
Coach Mdaka will trim the squad before the team departs for Chile, where they aim to make a statement on the world stage. South Africa has a proud history of producing elite talent through its youth setups, and this crop has the potential to follow in the footsteps of those who graduated into Bafana Bafana.
“This is an exciting generation. The blend of local and international experience will give us balance as we prepare for the challenge in Chile,” said Mdaka after announcing the squad.
South Africans will be watching closely as the young stars prepare to carry the nation’s hopes at the U-20 FIFA World Cup Chile 2025.
