The South African Football Association (SAFA) has opened up and given reasons why certain key players are not part of the squad for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Questions were raised why Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was omitted from the team.
“Mbekezeli Mbokazi was not considered as part of an agreement between (Amajita coach) Raymond Mdaka and his Bafana Bafana counterpart, Hugo Broos. The defender will be part of the Bafana Bafana squad that will play two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month,” said SAFA.
Meanwhile, exciting winger Shandre Campbell was also expected to be a part of the team after he was listed in the preliminary squad, but he too didn’t make the final cut, much to the disappointment of local football fans.
“Belgium-based Shandre Campbell is another notable absentee after he was denied permission to join the Chile-bound South African U20 squad by his side Club Brugge. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos stepped in and tried to negotiate with the Belgians, but the club still refused to accept the call-up letter,” added the association.
The reigning African champions have been drawn in Group E alongside France, USA and New Caledonian.
The tournament will be held in Chile from 27 September- 19 October 2025.
