SAFA appoint Jabu Hlongwane as South Africa U23 team manager

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has formalised the appointment of Jabu Hlongwane as team manager of the South Africa U23 men’s national team.

Hlongwane, the Provincial Executive Officer for SAFA Mpumalanga, has been brought in to oversee the squad’s administrative and operational arrangements as it prepares for the qualification route to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The appointment was confirmed in a letter from SAFA chief executive officer Lydia Monyepao to the SAFA Mpumalanga provincial office. The letter specifically confirms Hlongwane’s role during the U23 team’s current camp.

“The South African Football Association hereby wishes to formally advise you of the appointment of Mr. Jabu Hlongwane as the Team Manager of the South African U23 Men’s National Team,” Monyepao wrote.

She added that Hlongwane would be responsible for working with the team’s technical and support staff, as well as the relevant SAFA departments, to coordinate the squad’s activities.

“In his capacity as the team manager, he will work closely with the national team’s technical and support staff as well as the relevant SAFA departments to ensure effective coordination and administration of the U23 Men’s Team activities during the camp,” she said.

SAFA also asked its Mpumalanga provincial office to support Hlongwane as he carries out his duties.

“We kindly request the SAFA Mpumalanga Provincial office to take note of this appointment and to extend the necessary cooperation and support to Mr. Hlongwane in the execution of his duties,” Monyepao’s letter continued.

“We would like to wish Mr. Hlongwane all of the best on his appointment with the U23 Men’s National Team.”

Olympic qualification route

The South Africa U23 squad is currently preparing for a second friendly against Algeria after recovering from a one-goal deficit to win the first meeting 3-1 at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Thursday.

Raymond Mdaka’s side will face Algeria again at the same venue on Sunday. The matches form part of the team’s preparations for the qualification campaign for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Africa has been allocated two places at the tournament. Teams seeking to reach the Olympics must first compete at the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to take place in Egypt in 2027.

Only the top two teams at that competition will qualify for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, making the continental tournament the decisive stage of Africa’s qualification process.