South Africa U20 Profile: Amajita aim high after COSAFA U-20 triumph
South Africa’s U-20 national team, Amajita, arrive at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with renewed belief and momentum after conquering the COSAFA region.
Their unbeaten run and title-winning display at the COSAFA U-20 Championship underlined the team’s defensive solidity and attacking firepower.
Coach Raymond Mdaka’s side will now be looking to replicate that success on the continental stage.
With a blend of homegrown rising stars and tactical discipline, Amajita are aiming to go further than ever before at this year’s tournament in Egypt.
Below is the full profile of the South Africa U20 team:
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s U-20 team, Amajita, enters the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a strong sense of confidence following an outstanding campaign at the COSAFA U-20 Championship.
After lifting their first COSAFA U-20 Championship crown in four years, Amajita are now focused on continuing their form in Côte d'Ivoire.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
South Africa’s qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 came with an emphatic performance at the COSAFA U-20 Championship. Amajita went unbeaten throughout the tournament, securing five wins and keeping five clean sheets.
Their dominant performances included a 2-0 victory over Zambia in the final, where goals from Shandre Campbell and Jody Ah Shene sealed the title. Amajita’s high defensive standards and clinical attacking play were key to their success, with Campbell being named Player of the Tournament, while Ashene won the Golden Boot for his four goals.
HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON
This will be South Africa’s fifth appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with their best finish being a semi-final spot in 1997. Amajita’s solid defensive record in the COSAFA tournament has bolstered their reputation, and they are hoping to make a deep run in the tournament and challenge for a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kutlwano Lethlaku – The Mamelodi Sundowns right winger has made his breakthrough season with The Brazilians this campaign and has already left his mark. He has pace, skill on the ball and an eye for goal.
Jody Ah Shene – The tournament’s top scorer with four goals, Ashene has the pace and technical ability to trouble any defense. His goal-scoring form will be crucial in South Africa’s bid for success.
Fletcher Smythe-Lowe – The Golden Glove winner at the COSAFA Championship, Smythe-Lowe’s solid performances between the posts were key to South Africa’s success. His shot-stopping ability and leadership will be crucial at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH
Under coach Raymond Mdaka, Amajita’s approach is built on a solid defensive structure, adaptability, and counter-attacking play. Mdaka has emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline at the back while being clinical in attack. The use of versatile formations and player rotations allows Amajita to adapt to various situations and high-stakes games. With a solid defense and potent attackers, Amajita are one of the teams to watch at the finals.
TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS
Amajita have been drawn into a challenging Group A, where they will face hosts and three-time winners Egypt, along with local rivals Zambia, Sierra Leone as well as Tanzania.
With a strong squad and a winning mentality, Amajita will look to advance from the group stage and go all the way this time around.