David Notoane names South Africa U23 side for CAF Olympic qualifiers

Unlike the sole representative in the Bafana Bafana squad, the junior national team boasts a total of five Kaizer Chiefs youngsters before the squad will be trimmed to 23 next week.

The exciting Mduduzi Shabalala will be looking to continue his fine form from club to national team as he is joined by teammates, goalkeeper Bontle Molefe, defender Omgea Mdaka, and midfielders Samkelo Zwane and Puso Dithejane.

Also with five representatives are DStv Premiership side Stellenbosch FC and Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Cape Town Spurs (formerly known as Ajax Cape Town).

Notably, Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have no representatives in the squad, while Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns have only one player included.

Three overseas-based players have also caught the eye of the under-23 technical team, with Greece-based midfielder Christos Retsos and England-based duo Kgaogelo Chauke and Siya Ligendza included in the preliminary selection.

Notoane will lead his charges against their Central African opposition on Thursday 23 March at Dobsonville Stadium before traveling for the return leg at Massamba-Debat Stadium in Brazzaville on 26/27 March.

Full SA U23 preliminary squad:

Goalkeepers: Lincoln Vyver (Cape Town Spurs), Ephraim Mothibhedi (All Stars), Olwethu Mzimela (AmaZulu), Bontle Molefe (Kaizer Chiefs)

Defenders: Athenkosi Mcaba, Olwethu Makhanya (both Stellenbosch), Omega Mdaka (Chiefs), Bradley Cross (Maritzburg United), Wayne Dortley, Khaya Mfecane (both CT Spurs), Siyanda Msani (Richards Bay), Keagan Johannes (SuperSport United)

Midfielders: Jayden Adams, Devin Titus (both Stellenbosch), Samkelo Zwane, Puso Dithejane (both Chiefs), Christos Retsos (Aris Petropoulis, Greece), Ntando Nkosi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ethan Brooks (AmaZulu), Rowan Human (Maritzburg), Kgaogelo Chauke (Exeter City, England)

Forwards: Ashley Cupido, Boitumelo Radiophane (both CT Spurs), Antonio van Wyk (Stellenbosch), Oswin Appolis (Pretoria Callies), Mduduzi Shabalala (Chiefs), Thapelo Maseko (SuperSport), Siya Ligendza (AFC Fylde, England), Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay)