The head coach of South Africa’s U-20 men’s national team, Raymond Mdaka, has emphasized the importance of respecting all groups following the draw for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which took place in Cairo last week.
Mdaka’s team finds itself in a challenging Group B, facing off against three former champions: Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria.
The CAF U-20 AFCON is scheduled to run from April 26 to May 18, 2025, and presents an opportunity for Amajita, who have yet to secure the coveted continental title.
Their best performances thus far include a silver medal in 1997 and a third-place finish in 2019.
The upcoming tournament poses a formidable challenge, particularly with Nigeria being the most successful team in the competition, boasting seven titles, the latest being in 2022.
Egypt and Morocco, each with one title, will also be formidable contenders.
Reflecting on the draw, Mdaka, who previously achieved success with Marumo Gallants in the CAF Confederation Cup, stated that all groups should be approached with respect.
He expressed satisfaction with the group his team was placed in, indicating that it would aid in their preparation for the tournament.
“We long waited for the draw for us to know where we are and who we play. We knew the teams who had qualified but needed to know where we are and who we play,” he told CAF Online.
“I think all groups must be respected. We are fine with the group that we have, and we will be able to prepare ourselves and play to our best.”
This tournament marks South Africa’s ninth appearance in the U-20 AFCON, and their goals extend beyond merely winning the title.
The team also aims to secure a top-four finish to gain automatic qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for September 2025.
