Raymond Mdaka Explains Why Mbekezeli Mbokazi Missed U-20 World Cup

Raymond Mdaka has clarified why Mbekezeli Mbokazi was not included in South Africa’s squad for the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile, revealing a key discussion with Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos. Mbokazi, who turned 20 on Friday, has impressed with his maturity and performances for both club and country.

South Africa’s Under-20s will open their World Cup campaign on 29 September against France in Group E. The tournament runs from 27 September to 20 October, with Amajita also facing the USA and New Caledonia in the group stage.

Initially, it was reported that Orlando Pirates had blocked Mbokazi from joining the squad, as they had done previously for the Under-20 AFCON. Mdaka, speaking at a Vaseline Sponsorship launch, revealed that the real decision came from Hugo Broos. The Belgian coach requested that certain players, including Mbokazi, remain with Bafana to focus on upcoming crucial World Cup qualifiers.

“With Bafana set to play in what have now become two must-win World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October, Broos wants to use Mbokazi for the senior team,” Mdaka explained. “I wouldn’t want to comment on that because it is an internal matter. But the honest truth is that he wants to use him to qualify, and the qualifiers are coming around the 9th, while we will be in Chile. There was an agreement or a request to say, let’s allow him to go to Bafana.”

Amajita will now aim to navigate the tournament without one of their standout players, focusing on their opening match against France and building momentum against the USA and New Caledonia. Mbokazi’s absence underscores the balancing act between youth development and senior team priorities as South Africa prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.