Campbell, Witbooi and Phili included in South Africa Under-23 squad for Olympic qualifiers

South Africa Under-23 head coach Raymond Mdaka has named a provisional squad featuring several surprise selections, including Belgium-based winger Shandre Campbell, for next month’s decisive 2028 LA Olympic Games qualifying tie against Madagascar.

Mdaka confirmed his selection on Friday, 16 October 2026, as South Africa began preparations for a two-legged second-round fixture against the island nation.

Madagascar will host the first leg on Wednesday, 14 November, with the return match scheduled for Saturday, 17 November at Lucas Moripe Stadium. The ties form part of South Africa’s attempt to qualify for the 2028 LA Olympic Games.

Campbell is the most notable unexpected inclusion. The winger, who is based in Belgium, was part of the most recent Bafana Bafana camp before being selected for the Under-23 group.

Emile Witbooi and Langelihle Phili are also among the less expected names in a squad that contains a strong collection of young talent from South Africa’s leading clubs.

Strong representation from the Big Three

The provisional selection draws heavily from Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Kaizer Chiefs are represented by Mfundo Vilakazi, Luke Baartman and Faiz Abrahams, while Orlando Pirates have contributed Mpho Padime and Neo Rapoo to the squad.

Sundowns’ young players are also prominent, with Gomolemo Kekana and Bennett Mokoena included among the players called up from the Chloorkop-based club.

The selection comes after an encouraging result in South Africa’s most recent Under-23 fixture. The team recovered from a losing position to beat Algeria 3-1, a performance that has helped maintain confidence within the camp ahead of the Madagascar tie.

Mdaka’s squad is not yet final. The technical team is expected to reduce the provisional group to a final selection nearer to the match dates in early November, as preparations for the two matches continue.

The opening fixture in Madagascar will be followed by the decisive return leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium three days later, with South Africa aiming to progress from the second round of qualifying.