Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns lead South Africa Under-20 squad

South Africa Under-20 head coach Raymond Mdaka has named his preliminary squad for the upcoming Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations COSAFA qualifiers, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns providing several of the players selected.

The qualifiers will be held in Mozambique from 18 to 27 September.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Padime has been included after making two substitute appearances for the club in their past two Betway Premiership matches. The call-up comes after the youngster was given an early opportunity to experience first-team football this season.

Cape Town City midfielder Emile Witbooi is also part of the squad, alongside Mamelodi Sundowns forward Bennet Mokoena.

Sundowns have three players in the selection, with Angus Moss and goalkeeper Lwandiso Radebe joining Mokoena. Pirates also have several representatives across the squad, while Kaizer Chiefs, Cape Town City and AmaTuks are among the other clubs supplying players.

The list includes 27 players in total, although it remains a preliminary selection ahead of the COSAFA qualifiers.

Related: Pitso Names Bafana Preliminary Squad

South Africa Under-20 preliminary squad

Goalkeepers

– Fletcher Smythe-Lowe (Estoril Praia Sad) – Takalani Mazhamba (Kaizer Chiefs) – Lwandiso Radebe (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders

– Ukhonaye Magele (University of Johannesburg) – Egan Freese (Kaizer Chiefs) – Sanele Simelane (Richards Bay) – Teboho Lekhatla (AmaTuks) – Lakham Gqonqo (TS Galaxy) – Cayden Fortune (Cape Town City) – Milimo Nalumango (Orlando Pirates) – Matthew Palmer (NK Slaven Belupo) – Rafael Costa Da Silva (Stellenbosch) – Zazi Qotoyi (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Midfielders

– Lazola Mako (Kaizer Chiefs) – Teboho Mlangeni (Kaizer Chiefs) – Viwe Fetsha (Orlando Pirates) – Kgomotso Madiba (Fluminense) – Bennet Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Manelisi Mazibuko (Siwelele FC) – Emile Witbooi (Cape Town City) – Oarabile Booysen (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Lehlohonolo Mahlangu (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Mpho Padime (Orlando Pirates) – Steve Mendes (Kaizer Chiefs) – Aphelele Nzimande (Orlando Pirates) – Choene Moabelo (AmaTuks) – Kamogelo Mareltse (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Forwards

– Thandanani Mhlongo (AmaZulu FC) – Joshua Taylor (Cape Town City) – Omphemtse Gaorekwe (Orbit College) – Angus Moss (Mamelodi Sundowns)

The September tournament will provide the next stage of the qualification process for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Mdaka’s preliminary selection combines players already involved in senior domestic football with youngsters representing clubs in South Africa and abroad.

Padime is the most notable example of a player who has recently stepped into senior competition, having appeared from the bench in each of Orlando Pirates’ last two Betway Premiership fixtures. His inclusion places him among the group competing for a place in the final squad for the qualifiers.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ representation includes players in goal, midfield and attack, while Orlando Pirates’ contingent features players in defence and midfield. The squad also includes representatives from Estoril Praia Sad, NK Slaven Belupo and Fluminense, alongside players from a broad range of South African clubs.