Latest news with #CAFUnder-20AfricaCupofNations
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
The rise of Mbekezeli Mbokazi: The 19-year-old Orlando Pirates defender drawing interest from Al Ahly
One for the future Teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has impressed since breaking into the Orlando Pirates first team this season. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Mbekezi Mbokazi is an insanely talented young defender and it's no surprise that Jose Riveiro is trying to recruit him for Al Ahly. The 19-year-old has recently broken into Orlando Pirates' first team, and has become an important player for his club in just a short time. He was due to be one of the key players for Amajita at the recently completed CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, but was withdrawn at the last minute as Pirates did not want to lose him during an important part of the season. A report on Thursday suggested that Riveiro, who is expected to be announced as Al Ahly's head coach in the coming days, had recommended the teenager to the club as he was keen to continue working with him. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. 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Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ At just a young age, Mbokazi has all the hallmarks of a top defender. He has an understanding of his position that's second to none. He also excels in aerial duels and physical confrontations. His stature and resilience make him a formidable presence in defence, capable of challenging even the most robust forwards. And we can trust Riveiro's eye for talent. The Spaniard promoted Relebohile Mofokeng into the Pirates first team, as well as Mohau Nkota. The two youngsters have shone for the title challengers, and President yama2000 has become a favourite among fans. Mbokazi is not just hype — he's being identified by coaches with a proven eye for developing talent. Not only did Mbokazi impress the coach, but he has also made a good impression with senior players at the club. Pirates captain Tapelo Xoki had this to say about him a month ago: 'He has made it easy for us to play with him. He listens, he works hard, so we just guide him where we need to. 'We don't want to give him too much on information, but we let him play his game, allow him to make mistakes and cover him when he makes those mistakes. '... Who knows? If he keeps doing the things that he's doing right, and improving where he needs to, he could be the next big thing in this country.' If Mbokazi is allowed to go to the Under-20 World Cup in September, playing alongside the best player at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Tylon Smith, and directly in front of golden glove winner Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, in that case South Africa should have every reason to be confident of doing well at the tournament. If Mbokazi continues on this trajectory — balancing club commitments with international exposure — he could soon become not just a star for South Africa, but a household name across African and global football. With the right guidance and stage, whether at Orlando Pirates, Al Ahly, or beyond, Mbokazi has the tools to shape the next era of defensive excellence for both club and country. Who knows, we could be watching someone who could go on to eclipse the achievements of the likes of Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, or Aaron Mokoena. IOL Sport * The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media. ** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@ Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication). Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Hugo Broos encourages South Africa's Under-20 heroes to aim for Bafana Bafana selection
Broos has words of encouragement Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos speaks at the ceremony to welcome home the South Africa Under-20 team after they won the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday. Photo: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix 'Everything starts now for you,' Broos said when greeting the players at OR Tambo International in Johannesburg. 'You are on a crossroads. If you take the right direction I'll be seeing you back next year in Bafana Bafana in big stadiums here in South Africa, or maybe abroad. The all-conquering Amajita arrived back in South Africa on Tuesday afternoon after beating Morocco in Sunday's CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations final in Cairo. Not only did they win the continental crown, they also booked their spot in the Under-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. 'Or you can take the other way and that's the wrong way. You have every opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling career as a professional football player for the next 10 to 12 years, and believe me it's the nicest profession you can imagine. 'But you still have to work very hard in the next months. I hope you guys take the right lifestyle this is very important to achieve.' Broos also had some words for coach Mdaka, who had to scramble to put the team together after some key players were withdrawn by their clubs ahead of the tournament. 'I followed every game, and I have to congratulate you coach first of all for the motivation you did in that team. When you saw them playing, they were motivated they wanted to do a big result. 'I say congratulations for the tactical moves you had, for the fantastic mentality that showed on the field. I think you did a very great job to bring this trophy here to South Africa.' IOL Sport
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
How to watch the Under-20 Afcon final between South Africa and Morocco
Amajita's date with destiny South Africa will take on Morocco in the final of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/AFP South Africa will take on Morocco in the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco on Sunday evening. It will be South Africa's second time appearing in the final, with their first coming back in 1997, where they were beaten 1-0 by the Moroccans. So, how can South Africans watch the final? The good news is that the SABC will be carrying a live broadcast. The national broadcaster announced on Saturday that they had secured the rights to show the final. Additionally, the game will also be shown on SuperSport, where a number of games have been broadcast already during the tournament. On top of that, fans can watch the game on the CAF TV YouTube channel.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mdaka lauds character as Amajita reach first Afcon final since 1997 by shooting down Nigeria Eagles
Amajita beat Nigeria Tylon Smith celebrates with teammates after scoring South Africa's winning goal during their CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Raymond Mdaka's Amajita are one game away from continental glory after edging Nigeria 1-0 in the semi-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt on Thursday night. A powerful header from defender Tylon Smith sealed a hard-fought victory, earning South Africa their first final appearance since 1997. The moment came in the 66th minute when Neo Rapoo whipped in a dangerous delivery from a set piece, and Smith rose highest to thump his header into the back of the net. It was a textbook goal – perfectly timed, technically executed, and a reward for South Africa's growing discipline under Mdaka. 'Yes, another win, congratulations to the boys. What a good job, good character, very disciplined, sticking to the agreements, tactical, and technical. We really appreciate it,' said Mdaka after the match.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Amajita's historic win: South Africa defeat Nigeria to reach Under-20 Afcon final
Amajita beat Nigeria Tylon Smith celebrates with teammates after scoring South Africa's winning goal during their CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Tylon Smith scored the only goal of the game as South Africa beat Nigeria 1-0 to advance to the final of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo on Thursday. Smith's 66th minute header was enough to earn the win and send Amajita, who had already qualified for the Under-20 World Cup, into the final of the tournament. South Africa will take on the winner of the second semi-final between Morocco and hosts Egypt. In a tight encounter, South Africa's discipline at the back proved to be the deciding factor against a Flying Eagles side that looked the better team on the night. The Nigerians had 21 shots at goal, compared to South Africa's six, and saw more of the ball. But, they weren't able to breach Fletcher Smythe-Lowe's goal. The 18-year-old Smythe-Lowe produced a number of top saves to deny Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma from scoring for the Nigerians.
