From Broos calls to Mbokazi agreement! How Mbekezeli & Campbell missed out making World Cup squad

The majority of South Africans were expecting to see Orlando Pirates star Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his counterpart from Club Brugge Shandre Campbell make the Amajita final squad for the U20 World Cup to be played in Chile from September 27.

However, none was included in coach Raymond Mdaka's side that will represent the continent alongside Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco. 

Interestingly, no player from Bucs has made the squad, but Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are well represented. Coach Raymond Mdaka has given Queens Park Rangers teenager Tylon Smith has made the squad.  

The Glamour Boys' new signing, Luke Baartman, and teammate Mfundo Vilakazi join Masandawana youngsters Kutlwano Lethlaku, Siyabonga Mabena, and Asekho Tiwani in the U20 team.

Why did Mbokazi and Campbell miss out?

“Mbekezeli Mbokazi was not considered as part of an agreement between Mdaka and his Bafana Bafana counterpart Hugo Broos. 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,” SAFA said in a statement.

“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. Bafana Bafana coach Broos stepped in and tried to negotiate with the Belgians, but the club still refused to accept the call-up letter,” they concluded.

Amajita's first game of the campaign will be on Monday, September 29, against heavyweights France. Their second fixture will be with New Caledonia before they conclude their pool assignments with the United States. 

After winning the AFCON a couple of months ago, Amajita will be aiming to defy the odds to go all the way and reach the latter stages of the 2025 FIFA World Cup.