One of the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) busiest development coaches, Raymond Mdaka, faces a demanding week as he prepares to divide his attention between the national Under-20 and Under-23 teams.
Mdaka is currently in Mozambique with Amajita, who have reached the semi-finals of the COSAFA Under-20 Championship after completing the group stage with a perfect record of three victories.
South Africa defeated eSwatini 2-0 on Wednesday to finish top of Group B with nine points, scoring seven goals without conceding a goal. Manelisi Mazibuko and Milimo Nalumango were on target as Amajita secured their place in the knockout stages.
The tournament is particularly important because the two finalists will qualify automatically for next year’s Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mdaka’s immediate task is therefore to guide Amajita through the semi-finals and, potentially, Sunday’s final before making a quick switch to his other national-team assignment.
The coach has already been entrusted with the South African Under-23 side, Amaglug-glug, which is preparing for two international friendly matches against Algeria in Durban.
SAFA confirmed that Mdaka has selected a 26-player squad for the two matches, with the first scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, and the second on Saturday, October 3. The squad is due to assemble on Sunday.
The Algeria fixtures will provide Mdaka with an opportunity to assess players and build a squad capable of competing in the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations and the Olympic qualification programme.
The Under-23 squad includes a strong contingent from Orlando Pirates, with Camren Dansin, Mpho Padime, Neo Rapoo and Simphiwe Selepe among the Buccaneers selected. Kaizer Chiefs have three representatives in Luke Baartman, Mfundo Vilakazi and Faiz Abrahams, while Mamelodi Sundowns are represented by Kutlwano Letlhaku and Gomolemo Kekana.
The selection also includes players based abroad, with Tyson Smith of New England Revolution and Fletcher Smythe-Lowe of Estoril Praia named in the squad. Thato Sibiya, who is on loan from Lille, is another player included in the selection.
Mdaka’s 26-man Under-23 squad
Goalkeepers: Fletcher Smythe-Lowe
Defenders: Tyson Smith Dansin, Neo Rapoo
Midfielders/forwards: Mpho Padime, Simphiwe Selepe, Luke Baartman, Mfundo Vilakazi, Faiz Abrahams, Kutlwano Letlhaku,- Gomolemo Kekana, and Thato Sibiya