Source: @Soccer Laduma

Two friendlies against Algeria on 30 September and 3 October give Raymond Mdaka an opportunity to measure his South Africa U-23 squad against opposition that has long produced technically sound age-group sides. Algeria’s youth football has a reputation for patience on the ball and disciplined pressing. That alone makes these fixtures a useful examination for a group still finding its rhythm together.

Orlando Pirates supply the largest number of players, with Mpho Padime among those who have already featured for the senior team this season. Game time at that level tends to sharpen decision-making faster than age-group football alone can manage. Therefore, his inclusion is not simply about reward for past form but about what he can offer against a well-organised Algerian side.

Kaizer Chiefs bring Luke Baartman, Mfundo Vilakazi and Faiz Abrahams into the fold. All three are familiar to supporters who have watched Chiefs lean on younger players in recent matches. Vilakazi in particular has looked at ease dictating play from midfield, and Algeria’s press will ask real questions of that composure.

Overseas options add variety to the U-23 squad without diluting the core

The U-23 squad players based abroad are fewer in number but offer contrast in style. Tylon Smith continues his development in Major League Soccer with New England Revolution, and Waylon Renecke gets regular football in Sweden with Hammarby. Thato Sibiya adds further depth at the back, while Siviwe Magidigidi, sharpening his finishing in Belgium with Beerschot, gives the attack a different kind of threat compared to the more direct options drawn from domestic football. Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, based at Estoril Praia in Portugal, is the only goalkeeper plying his trade overseas, joined in the squad by Enrique Erasmus and Kgoleng Ratsani.

Mdaka’s selection favours players who are playing regularly over those simply attached to bigger clubs. That logic runs through the defence as much as anywhere else. Cayden Fortune and Asekho Tiwani offer competition alongside more seasoned campaigners, with Neo Rapoo and Luthando Vena rounding out cover across the back line. Oupa Motaung’s involvement follows a strong run of form at TS Galaxy, and his continued progress through the age groups is worth watching over the coming months.

Midfield options run deep, with Camren Danis, Gomolemo Kekana, Simphiwe Selepe, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Bohlale Ngwato and Emile Witbooi giving Mdaka genuine variety between ball-winners and more creative operators capable of controlling tempo. That range should help against an Algerian midfield built on retaining possession rather than rushing forward at pace.

Quwan Plaatjies is set to start alongside Siviwe Magidigidi up front, giving the U-23 squad side a combination of physical running and movement in behind that could trouble opposing defences. Whatever the results in Durban, the value of these matches lies less in the scoreline and more in how individual players respond to sustained pressure from a side that rarely gives possession away cheaply. 

For a South Africa U-23 squad still establishing its identity under Mdaka, that kind of test against Algeria offers a far better gauge of progress than friendlies against weaker opposition ever could.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, Enrique Erasmus, Kgoleng Ratsani

Defenders: Cayden Fortune, Asekho Tiwani, Tylon Smith, Waylon Renecke, Neo Rapoo, Thato Sibiya, Luthando Vena, Oupa Motaung

Midfielders: Camren Danis, Gomolemo Kekana, Simphiwe Selepe, Mfundo Vilakazi, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Bohlale Ngwato, Emile Witbooi, Mpho Padime, Luke Baartman, Faiz Abrahams

Forwards: Siviwe Magidigidi, Quwan Plaatjies