5 December 2019 – Interim coach of the South African U-20 Men’s National Team (Amajita), Helman Mkhalele has named his starting 11 to take on Mauritius in their first match of the 2019 COSAFA U-20 Men’s Championship currently underway in Lusaka, Zambia.
The two nations meet today (Thursday, 5 December 2019) at Sunset Stadium.
Kickoff is at 15h00.
The fixture is also the start of the defence of the title South Africa won two years in a row.
Seven players will be donning the national team colours for the first time – goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela; forwards Sinenjongo Mkiva and Rahim Milazi; defenders Morapedi Ralenkoane, Athenkosi Mcala, Bilal Baloyi and midfielder Rowen Human, who has been named captain of the squad.
From this group of debutants, only Mcala has featured for Amajimbos (SA U-17 Men’s National Team)
Four other players in the starting eleven have already tasted life at U-20 level – defender Siyanda Msani, this will be his third cap. Midfieder Mohamed Shahabodien has also played for both the U-17 and U-20 national teams, eight and twice respectively, while Keagan Mitchell will earn his second cap.
Oswin Appolis, who recently made his first team debut at his club Supersport United, will be playing in seventh international – he was with Amajita at the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup in Poland earlier this year.
This is how they will line up:
SA U20 vs Mauritius:
Olwethu Mzimela (GK), Morapedi Ralenkoane, Bilal Baloyi, Mohammed Shahabodien, Rowen Human (c), Sinenjongo Mkiva, Oswin Appolis, Rahim Milazi, Athenkosi Mcala, Siyanda Msani, Keagan Mitchell,
Subs:
Cuwen Prince (GK), Rivaldo Present, Vusumuzi Plamana, Selaelo Rasebotja, Keenan Bezuidenhout, Mazi Mgwijazwe, Tshepo Myeni,
Not in match day squad:
Bontle Molefe (GK), Keletso Sifama