Amajita Gear Up for 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup as Rivals Confirm Squads

The 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup is approaching, with two of Amajita’s group opponents having confirmed their final squads for the tournament in Chile, scheduled from September 27 to October 19. Each of the 24 participating nations will submit 21 players, including three goalkeepers.

FIFA has set eligibility for players born between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009. Final squads will be selected from a provisional list of 35 to 55 players previously submitted by each nation. Amajita have yet to announce their final squad, with the spotlight on Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Mbokazi has become a regular at Pirates and has earned a place in the senior Bafana Bafana squad. His potential participation in the U-20 World Cup raises questions, as the tournament overlaps with Bucs’ domestic matches and the final round of World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. The competition partly falls outside the FIFA calendar, meaning clubs are not required to release players, leaving the decision to Pirates management.

Amajita will face France on September 29, New Caledonia on October 2, and the USA on October 5 in Group E. The knockout stages run from October 7 to October 19, with the final scheduled for the 19th.

New Caledonia and the USA have already submitted their squads. The American team includes six players based in Europe, such as Joshua Wynder (Benfica), Benjamin Cremaschi (Parma), and Cole Campbell (Borussia Dortmund). They are led by Serbian coach Marko Mitrović.

South Africa is expected to rely heavily on players from Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. Chiefs hopefuls include Mfundo Vilakazi, Naledi Hlongwane, Luke Baartman, Gopolong Taunyane, Sfiso Timba, and Takalani Mazhamba. Sundowns prospects include Gomolemo Kekana, Siyabonga Mabena, Asekho Tiwani, Thato Sibiya, and Kutlwano Letlhaku.

The final squad announcement for Amajita is imminent, and the selections will play a pivotal role in determining the team’s success in the global tournament.