South Africa U23 head coach, Raymond Mdaka, has named a 37-man preliminary squad as Amaglug-glug intensify preparations for their bid to qualify for the men’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Mdaka’s immediate challenge is to guide South Africa past Madagascar in a two-legged qualifier in November, with victory keeping the country on course for a return to the Olympic stage.
The expanded selection brings together emerging talent from the Premier Soccer League, lower-division clubs and overseas teams, giving the coach a wider pool from which to build a competitive squad for the decisive encounters.
The qualifying campaign forms part of Africa’s pathway to the 2027 CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where seven teams will join the hosts at the continental finals. The tournament will serve as the African qualifying competition for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
With the Olympic football tournament scheduled to begin on 10 July 2028, South Africa must navigate the qualifying rounds and the continental competition before securing a place among the world’s leading under-23 sides.
The preliminary squad features players from South African football heavyweights Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, alongside prospects from Cape Town City, Stellenbosch FC, TS Galaxy and other domestic clubs.
Overseas-based players Tylon Smith of New England Revolution in the United States, Lucas Jetten of SC Cambuur in the Netherlands, Waylon Renecke of Hammarby IF in Sweden and Shandre Campbell of KV Kortrijk in Belgium also feature in the selection.
Their inclusion gives Mdaka an opportunity to assess players competing in different football environments as he works towards assembling a balanced side capable of handling the pressure of international competition.
Among the attacking players in contention are Mpho Padime and Bohlale Ngwato of Orlando Pirates, Kutlwano Letlhaku of Mamelodi Sundowns, Nhlanhla Gasa of Golden Arrows and Quwan Plaatjies of Stellenbosch FC.
In midfield, Kaizer Chiefs prospects Mfundo Vilakazi, Faiz Abrahams and Luke Baartman, alongside Sundowns’ Gomolemo Kekana, provide Mdaka with several options as he seeks to strike the right balance between creativity and defensive responsibility.
Defensively, Neo Rapoo of Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC’s Luthando Vena and Siviwe Nkwali, and Cayden Fortune of Cape Town City will be looking to convince the technical team that they can provide the stability needed in a high-pressure qualifying tie.
The goalkeeping department will also come under scrutiny as Mdaka assesses his options before selecting the final squad.
A chance to rewrite Olympic history
South Africa have appeared in the Olympic men’s football tournament three times since returning to international sporting participation, competing at Sydney 2000, Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2020. The team exited at the group stage on each occasion.
At Sydney 2000, South Africa recorded a memorable 3-1 victory over Brazil but missed out on the knockout rounds after defeats against Japan and Slovakia.
Their return in Rio in 2016 produced draws against hosts Brazil and Iraq, but a defeat against Denmark left them at the bottom of their group.
At Tokyo 2020, South Africa again failed to progress after losing to Japan, France and Mexico.
The Los Angeles 2028 Games will run from 14 to 30 July, with the football tournament starting on 10 July.
