South Africa Under-23 squad named for Algeria friendlies

Raymond Mdaka has confirmed his final 23-man South Africa Under-23 squad for the team’s two successive friendly matches against Algeria.

The Under-23 side will meet the North African opponents in back-to-back fixtures, with Mdaka selecting a group that includes players from both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

Orlando Pirates are the best-represented club in the squad, with five players included. Among them is attacker Mpho Padime, who has featured for the Buccaneers’ senior team in recent weeks.

Kaizer Chiefs have three representatives in the final selection: Luke Baartman, Mfundo Vilakazi and Faiz Abrahams.

Five players in the squad are based overseas. They are Tylon Smith, Thato Sibiya, Waylon Renecke, goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe and forward Siviwe Magidigidi.

Mdaka has chosen three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders and two forwards for the Algeria fixtures.

Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, Enrique Erasmus and Kgoleng Ratsani make up the goalkeeping group.

The defensive options are Cayden Fortune, Asekho Tiwani, Tylon Smith, Waylon Renecke, Neo Rapoo, Thato Sibiya, Luthando Vena and Oupa Motaung.

Midfielders Camren Danis, Gomolemo Kekana, Simphiwe Selepe, Mfundo Vilakazi, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Bohlale Ngwato, Emile Witbooi, Mpho Padime, Luke Baartman and Faiz Abrahams are also included.

Siviwe Magidigidi and Quwan Plaatjies are the two forwards named in the squad.

South Africa Under-23 squad

Goalkeepers: Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, Enrique Erasmus, Kgoleng Ratsani

Defenders: Cayden Fortune, Asekho Tiwani, Tylon Smith, Waylon Renecke, Neo Rapoo, Thato Sibiya, Luthando Vena, Oupa Motaung

Midfielders: Camren Danis, Gomolemo Kekana, Simphiwe Selepe, Mfundo Vilakazi, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Bohlale Ngwato, Emile Witbooi, Mpho Padime, Luke Baartman, Faiz Abrahams

Forwards: Siviwe Magidigidi, Quwan Plaatjies