Amajita World Cup Squad: Chiefs and Sundowns lead the way

The South African U-20 national team, Amajita, is heading to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup with a squad heavily influenced by the country’s two biggest clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Coach Raymond Mdaka officially announced his final 23-man list on Thursday, revealing that Sundowns have the most representatives with five players, while Chiefs are close behind with four.

Amajita qualified for the prestigious tournament in Chile after an impressive run at the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they were crowned champions for the first time in their history after defeating Morocco in the final.

The reigning African champions have been drawn into a challenging Group E, where they will face the formidable France in their opening match on September 29. They will then take on New Caledonia on October 3 and conclude their group stage campaign against the USA on October 5.

NOTABLE OMISSION AND RISING STARS IN THE AMAJITA WORLD CUP SQUAD

Coach Raymond Mdaka announces the final team to represent South Africa at the FIFA Under-20 Men’s World Cup in Chile later this month. pic.twitter.com/zNGHcg7lnw

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) September 18, 2025

While the squad features a strong core of local talent, there is one notable absence: Shandre Campbell. The young star, who was part of the team’s preparations, was not selected for the final squad.

It has been reported that his Belgian club, Club Brugge, refused to release him for the tournament because it falls outside of the FIFA international match calendar. His participation in the recent camp was only possible because it aligned with the official international break.

Despite Campbell’s absence, the squad includes several exciting prospects. Among them are Tylon Smith of Queens Park Rangers in England, Chiefs duo Mfundo Vilakazi and Luke Baartman, and Sundowns’ Kutlwano Lethlaku, Siyabonga Mabena, and Asekho Tiwani.

The 24th edition of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup kicks off on September 27 and runs until October 19, 2025, with 24 nations competing for the title.

THE FINAL AMAJITA WORLD CUP SQUAD