South Africa made history when they won the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations title following a 1-0 victory over Morocco in Sunday’s final.
Amajita became African champions when Gomolemo Kekana’s 70th minute strike won the game for them as the Class of 2025 made their own piece of history after going one better than the 1997 team that lost the final to Morocco.
The win and the entire tournament showcased the bright future that South Africa has and also exposed a number of talents who will soon be knocking on the door of coach Hugo Broos for a place in the Bafana Bafana team.
Afrik-Foot highlights five Amajita players that should be promoted to Bafana Bafana.
Fletcher Smythe-Lowe
Voted Man of the Match in the final, there is no denying that South Africa would not have won the AFCON title were it not for the heroics of goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe.
The 18-year-old, who plays in Portugal with Estoril, kept four clean sheets in seven matches but that is not even the story as he made the most saves among all the goalkeepers at the tournament.
By the time Amajita were reaching the semis, he had already made 19 saves and pulled off four good ones against Nigeria as well as three vital saves in the final to help South Africa win the title.
While Ronwen Williams is still unchallenged and far from done with Bafana Bafana, Smythe-Lowe will fit like a glove when the Mamelodi Sundowns man exits but it would be wise to start handing him opportunities early.
Tylon Smith
Deservedly voted Player of the Tournament, Stellenbosch FC central defender Tylon Smith looks so mature and assured for a 20-year-old.
Smith looks ripe for the national team already even though he is still playing in the DDC as his defending both in the air and ground is superb.
He never panics even when he sees danger and is an asset on set pieces when defending or attacking as seen with his header which won South Africa the semi-final.
Neo Rapoo
A goal and two assists from SuperSport United defender Neo Rapoo, who was played on the left wing by coach Raymond Madaka, highlight how vital he is.
Rapoo played a key part in the semi-final with several crosses and his deliveries from set-pieces were also a joy to watch as it is from such that Smith scored in the semi-final.
Mdaka played him on the left wing to maximise his attacking talents and he was rewarded handsomely while the player also tracked back to help with defensive duties.
That is the kind of work rate required in the national team and if 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng is already doing the job for coach Broos, Rapoo, 19, will not lack the confidence.
Gomolemo Kekana
Ever-present in central midfield, Gomolemo Kekana largely went under the radar until he scored the winner in the final.
However, scoring goals is not why he is in the team but to provide a good base in midfield, helping shield the defence while launching attacks from deep and this is a job he has done brilliantly throughout the tournament.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder got top marks in all but one of the six games and club-mate Teboho Mokoena must be looking at him with envy as he is the man that could eventually take his place given he plays almost like him.
Shakeel April
The Cape Town City winger was another top performer for South Africa who will be knocking on the national team door soon.
Played on the right wing at the tournament, the 19-year-old finished with a goal and two assists but his overall work rate was great.
His tenacity and pace down the flanks was too much for opponents and he should have scored a second goal in the final when he made a lung-bursting run in the final minutes only to see his shot saved by the Morocco goalkeeper.
Right wing has many options in Bafana Bafana but April has put himself in the shop window after his brilliant performances in Egypt.
