Maputo, Mozambique: South Africa’s successful defence of the COSAFA Under-20 Championship has been recognised with five Amajita players named in the Team of the Tournament, while head coach Raymond Mdaka was selected as the competition’s top coach.
South Africa retained the regional title after defeating hosts Mozambique 2–1 in Sunday’s final, completing a perfect five-match campaign and securing qualification for the 2027 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Five Amajita players selected
The South African representation in the Best XI includes:
• Takalani Mazhamba: The goalkeeper kept three clean sheets during the tournament and conceded three goals, all during the knockout stages.
• Cayden Fortune: The defender was recognised for his contribution to South Africa’s successful title defence.
• Egan Freese: The defender joined Fortune in the Team of the Tournament after playing a key role in Amajita’s campaign.
• Lazola Maku: The Amajita captain was selected in midfield after helping control the team’s play and claiming a Man of the Match award during the competition.
• Steven Mendes: The Kaizer Chiefs forward was rewarded after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals.
Mdaka's selection as coach completes a strong showing for the defending champions, who produced five wins from five matches on their way to the trophy.
Mendes leads scoring charts
Mendes was one of the key figures in South Africa’s title success.
The forward scored six goals, including the winning penalty in the final against Mozambique, to claim the Golden Boot. He also scored twice from the penalty spot during the 4–2 semi-final victory over Zambia.
His final goal took South Africa to a 2–1 victory after Oarabile Booysen had opened the scoring in the 28th minute and Mozambique’s Martinho Comecar equalised two minutes later.
Amajita complete dominant campaign
South Africa finished the tournament with 13 goals scored and only three conceded.
The team opened the competition with three consecutive clean sheets before overcoming Zambia and Mozambique in the knockout rounds.
The victory also means South Africa will head to the 2027 U20 AFCON in Ghana as defending champions, having won the continental title in Egypt in 2025. Mozambique, as runners-up in the COSAFA competition, also secured qualification for the continental tournament.
The COSAFA tournament featured 22 matches and produced 73 goals, with Zambia finishing third after a 3–0 victory over Namibia.
For Mdaka and his young squad, the COSAFA triumph now provides another platform to prepare for their continental title defence in Ghana next year.