Fluminense youngster Kgomotso Madiba backed for South Africa Under-23 call-up

Development mentor Farouk Khan believes Kgomotso Madiba has done enough at Brazilian club Fluminense to warrant consideration for South Africa’s Under-23 side.

Madiba, known as KG, is currently part of Fluminense’s U20 team after moving to the club from Stars of Africa Academy in January. He signed a three-year contract with the Brazilian outfit after impressing during a trial at Fluminense’s Xerem academy in 2025.

Khan, who runs Stars of Africa Academy, said Madiba’s rapid progress in South America had exceeded his expectations.

“He has surprised even myself, because I didn’t expect so much progress,” Khan told Soccer Laduma when asked about Madiba’s progress in South America.

“KG has been in Brazil for about six or seven months, and he has turned heads there. They can’t believe he’s so well developed. He’s exceptional and just unbelievable.”

Khan now expects the teenager to be considered for the SA U23 squad, which is due to begin its qualifying campaign for the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament will also act as the qualifying competition for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States, increasing the importance of the upcoming matches for South Africa’s emerging players.

“I’m very optimistic that KG is going to be a big asset for South African football. He has a very bright future, and I think he should be in the U23 team,” added Khan.

Madiba is from Kagiso, a township in the Mogale City Local Municipality in Gauteng. He began his football development with Stone Breakers in Kagiso before joining Stars of Africa Academy.

He made a notable impact at a young age, starring for the academy when he was 15 as they won the Under-21 Pirates Cup.

Madiba has also already gained international experience with South Africa. He was included in the SA U20 squad, Amajita, that won the 2025 U20 AFCON title.

His move to Fluminense followed the exchange programme that gave him the opportunity to train at the club’s Xerem academy in 2025. He has since spent about six or seven months in Brazil and is now attracting attention within the club because of his level of development.

Khan’s assessment places Madiba among the South African players abroad to watch as the country prepares for the next stage of its youth development pathway. A place in the SA U23 team would represent his next international step after helping Amajita secure the 2025 U20 AFCON title.

For now, Madiba remains focused on his progress with Fluminense’s U20 side, where his performances have earned praise from those observing his adjustment to Brazilian football.