South Africa under-20 coach Raymond Mdaka has confirmed the decision made by SAFA and Orlando Pirates regarding Mbekezeli Mbokazi's participation at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Mbokazi has been part of Amajita, as the under-20 team is affectionately known, since March last year and was named in the squad to take part at AFCON by Mdaka. But, with Pirates competing for three titles at the moment, the young defender has been withdrawn from the team.
READ: What Next For Royal AM Boss?
Mbokazi has become a key component at the back for Pirates. In the absence of Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane, the youngster has stepped in like a seasoned professional, dishing out performances which have helped to keep Pirates in the race for three more major titles - the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns' Thato Sibiya has come in as Mbokazi's replacement in the Amajita side.
"Mbokazi is one of the key players. We thought we would have him. Unfortunately, we will not have him. I need to be very honest; the boy was key in terms of our defence. As a coach, if he is a player you have been with since the beginning of the camp when I took over, players tend to understand how they play. He was one of the key players in our defence," Mdaka told media after a friendly match Amajita played at Bedfordview Country Club, Johannesburg, on Tuesday morning.
"Thato Sibiya is the cover on the left hand side. In the absence of Mbekezeli, we immediately roped him in because he was part of the players on standby."
Good news for Amajita is that captain Asekho Tiwani will be part of the team to play at AFCON in Egypt. With Sundowns set to play Al Ahly in Cairo for the CAF Champions League second leg semi-final, Tiwani will stay behind and join his under-20 teammates to start preparing for the competition.
SuperSport United left back Neo Rapoo will be allowed to join the team in Egypt with Matsatsantsa scheduled to play Polokwane City on Saturday.
"We discussed with Sundowns. We made arrangements and Tiwani will be left in Egypt. With Neo Rapoo, he will join us in Egypt," Mdaka said.
READ: Chiefs Ready To Reward Youngster For Five Years
Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns' Kutlwano Letlhaku are in the squad.
Amajita are due to travel to Egypt on Wednesday night and will take on the hosts on Sunday, April 27. Amajita are in Group A with Egypt, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Zambia.
