FIFA U-20 World Cup: Top 5 players that shined for Amajita

South Africa exited the FIFA U20 World Cup at the Round of 16 but left a great impression at the tournament with some of their players impressing.

Amajita lost 3-1 to Colombia on Wednesday to end their run which had promised more after heading to the tournament as African champions.

However, their gallant performance means they leave Chile with their heads held high and there were a number of outstanding performers from their squad who deserve a special mention.

Fletcher Smythe-Lowe (Estoril Praia, Portugal)

Just like at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe showed why he has been touted as the long-term successor of Bafana Bafana No.1 Ronwen Williams.

He is one of the reasons Amajita qualified for the Round of 16 as he made six saves and had three clearances in their 2-1 win over USA, having also starred against France in the opening match when they lost 2-1.

In the Round of 16, Smythe-Lowe may have been on the losing side but he is the reason it did not end up to be a thrashing of five or more goals as he made important interventions early in the first half late after the interval to ensure his side stayed in the game for large spells before the South Americans scored their third goal in injury time.

Mfundo Vilakazi (Kaizer Chiefs)

One of South Africa’s best players at the tournament, Kaizer Chiefs’ midfielder Mfundo Vilakazi was not just the creative spark but also weighed in with goals.

Playing in the No.10 role, Vilakazi’s scanning, body positioning and forward passes were impressive and he also allowed them to play through the lines, driving with the ball and engaging defenders before taking shots.

The 19-year-old left the tournament with one goal, the consolation against Colombia, and two assists in four games and looks to have grown in confidence after playing a bit-part role for Amajita at AFCON U20 in May.

Siviwe Magidigidi (Cape Town City)

🇿🇦 Five goals and a win for South Africa!#U20WC pic.twitter.com/BK5OBMf11A

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 3, 2025

Cape Town City forward Siviwe Magidigidi also emerged as a key player for Raymond Mdaka’s team as he scored twice at the group stage and also won the penalty against Colombia which Vilakazi converted.

Magidigidi, who was preferred in the centre-forward position, made good aggressive runs that troubled opposing defenders while also creating space for the likes of Vilakazi and Shakeel April to attack.

Gomolemo Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Mamelodi Sundowns star Gomolemo Kekana dominated midfield battles with maturity beyond his years.

Kekana is the man who scored the second goal in their win over USA and had a commanding display in midfield winning not just tackles but making driving runs and acting as the deep-lying playmaker.

Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)

Just like he was at AFCON U20, defender Tylon Smith continued to impress at the heart of the Amajita defence.

The Queens Park Rangers defender was a handful in the air and on the ground, blocking a number of goal-bound shots, and was the leader at the bark, barking instructions at the entire defence.

Smith continues to be level-headed and showed discipline and strength throughout the tournament.