SAFA have shed light on why rising star Mbekezeli Mbokazi won’t be boarding the plane with Amajita for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile next week.
In a mutual agreement between U20 coach Raymond Mdaka and Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos, the versatile defender has been earmarked for senior duty instead, joining the squad for two pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month.
Another omission is Shandre Campbell. Despite Broos personally intervening, Club Brugge refused to release the winger for Chile, depriving Amajita of one of their most exciting talents.
“Mbekezeli Mbokazi was not considered as part of an agreement between Mdaka and his Bafana Bafana counterpart Hugo Broos,” SAFA said on their statement.
“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.
“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.”