The South African Football Association (SAFA) is facing a dilemma as no club has yet indicated to the association that they will release players for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Sportswire has learned.

The squad, including four standby players, is scheduled to enter camp in Johannesburg on Sunday, 20 April. However, Sportswire has been informed that SAFA has not received confirmation from any club regarding the release of their players for the junior tournament in Egypt this month.

Last week, Under-20 men’s national team coach Raymond Mdaka announced the squad to represent the country at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The biennial African international youth football tournament will be held in Egypt from 27 April to 18 May 2025.

Mdaka named a 21-player squad, along with four standby players: Gabriel Amato, Thato Sibiya, Naledi Hlongwane, and Thato Mpati. Notably absent from the squad was Shandre Campbell, whose club, Club Brugge in Belgium, cited his involvement with the first team and their championship aspirations, according to Coach Mdaka.

While Mbekezi Mbokazi is part of the 21 players called up, it is highly unlikely he will join the squad on Sunday due to crucial upcoming matches for his club, Orlando Pirates.

They are set to play against Egyptian side Pyramids in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final at FNB Stadium on Saturday, with the second leg taking place the following week. Pirates have also reached the Nedbank Cup final, where they will face Kaizer Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.

Pirates, who have already secured the MTN8 title this season, are also in contention for the Betway Premiership title, trailing log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 12 points with three games in hand.

Mbokazi has been outstanding for Pirates in the back three employed by coach Jose Riveiro in recent matches, including league games against Mamelodi Sundowns and two Champions League quarter-final matches against MC Alger.

The 19-year-old, who made his PSL debut against Chippa United last month, has claimed three man-of-the-match awards and is likely to feature against Pyramids at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The potential failure to release Mbokazi for the U-20 AFCON could set a precedent for other clubs to withhold their players. SAFA expects Pirates, as a prominent club in the PSL, to set a positive example.

Amajita will begin their Group B campaign against hosts Egypt on 27 April, followed by a match against Tanzania on 30 April. Their final group stage match will be against Sierra Leone on 6 May. The four semi-finalists at the 2025 U-20 AFCON will represent the continent at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile in September 2025.