Amajita call up Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns youngsters for COSAFA qualifier

Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka has selected a 31-man preliminary squad for the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations COSAFA qualifier, which will take place in Mozambique from 18 to 27 September.

Cape Town City teenager Emile Witbooi has been included again, while several players who have recently made an impact in the Betway Premiership have also been handed an opportunity.

Orlando Pirates youngster Mpho Padime is among the new call-ups after earning recognition for his performances. Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba has also been named in the squad.

Mazhamba plays in the DStv Diski Challenge and was in goal for Kaizer Chiefs in their most recent league match of the 2025/26 season, an away fixture against Chippa United.

The preliminary group also features Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Bennet Mokoena and Kaizer Chiefs defender Egan Freese. Freese, who is 17, has been described as a no-nonsense defender.

The selection gives Mdaka a group containing a mixture of returning players and younger prospects from some of South Africa’s leading clubs. Witbooi’s continued involvement stands out, while the inclusion of Padime, Mazhamba, Mokoena and Freese brings fresh faces into the Amajita set-up.

Mdaka’s squad will represent South Africa in the COSAFA qualifying competition in Mozambique, with the tournament scheduled to run across 10 days from 18 September.

The 31-man preliminary squad includes:

– Emile Witbooi – Cape Town City – Mpho Padime – Orlando Pirates – Takalani Mazhamba – Kaizer Chiefs – Bennet Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns – Egan Freese – Kaizer Chiefs

The announcement follows other recent South African football developments, including confirmation of the opponents Bafana Bafana will face next and an explanation from Ntseki on why SAFA selected Mosimane.

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