Mamelodi Sundowns will feed the national Under-20 squad – Amajita – several players ahead of the FIFA World Youth Championships in Chile.
The 24th edition of the Under-20 World Cup showcase will run from September 27 to October 19 and will have South Africa making their fifth appearance after lifting the continental title in May.
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Under the microscope of the squad to be announced by Raymond Mdaka are at least six players from Sundowns.
At the forefront is the pair of Siyabonga Mabena and Kutlwano Letlhaku.
Then there is Asekho Tiwani, Thato Sibiya, Gomolemo Kekana, and Bennett Mokoena.
Mabena is back in action in the Tshwane giants' first team after nine months out and has since played twice.
He missed the Under-20 AFCON due to injury but will take aim at being involved in Chile.
Letlhaku has played thrice and is guaranteed of his inclusion, while Tiwani is back from the injury that forced him out during the continental tournament.
Amajita will play France (September 29), New Caledonia (October 2), and United States of America (October 5).
To qualify for the Last 16, they will need to win their group or be runners-up, with the third option hanging on one of the four best third-placed teams from the six groups.
Sundowns have in recent years been the backbone of Bafana Bafana with Ronwen Williams, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, and Iqraam Rayners all earning caps.
Even with the CHAN squad, Reyaad Pieterse, Jody February, Malibongwe Khoza, Terrence Mashego, Kegan Johannes, and Neo Maema played as Sundowns players.
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Khoza, Mashego, Johannes, and Maema went to the CHAN finals as The Brazilians' players, though Maema has since been released.
Then, with Banyana Banyana it is the same with Andile Dlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Noxolo Cesane, Nthabiseng Majiya, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, and Ronnel Donnelly coming from Sundowns.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
