SAFA Explains Mbokazi, Campbell Snubs From Amajita World Cup Squad
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has clarified the exclusion of prominent players Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Shandre Campbell from the Amajita squad for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The surprising omissions from coach Raymond Mdaka’s squad have been attributed to strategic national team plans and club intervention, respectively.
Orlando Pirates defender Mbokazi was not included in the U-20 squad due to an agreement between Amajita coach Mdaka and Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos.
The young talent is being fast-tracked into the senior national team setup. “Mbekezeli Mbokazi was not considered as part of an agreement between Mdaka and his Bafana Bafana counterpart Hugo Broos,” said SAFA in a statement.
“The defender will be part of the Bafana Bafana squad that will play two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month.”
Shandre Campbell: Club Refusal
Campbell, who plays for Belgian club Club Brugge, was also left out after his club refused to release him for the tournament. Despite efforts from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who tried to negotiate with the club, the Belgian side did not honor the call-up.
“Belgium-based Shandre Campbell is another notable absentee after he was denied permission to join the Chile-bound South African U20 squad by his side Club Brugge,” SAFA said in a statement.
“Bafana Bafana coach Broos stepped in and tried to negotiate with the Belgians, but the club still refused to accept the call-up letter.”
Amajita’s World Cup Campaign
The Amajita squad, who secured their spot by winning the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, will begin their World Cup preparations in Johannesburg on Friday before departing for Chile on Wednesday, 24 September. They are in a challenging Group E, where they will face:
- France on 29 September
- New Caledonia on 2 October
- United States of America on 5 October
