Raymond Mdaka admits uncertainty over key U20 AFCON players

Mdaka last week released a list of 21 players, which included Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Asekho Tiwani, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Mfundo Vilakazi from Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs respectively. 

With Club Brugge refusing to avail winger Shandre Campbell for the continental showpiece, Mdaka told Sports Night Amplified on Metro FM that he could be losing sleep over how the Betway Premiership clubs may respond. 

"These are some of the things I don't even want to think of and talk about because it's a situation that one did not expect – more so because throughout, we had positive communication with the teams and we felt we're going to have [Mbokazi]," said Mdaka.

"It's unfortunate, honestly, you know how much he can do, everybody knows how much he can do, and we know it as the technical team, but we just have to make sure we close the case or the chapter.

"We wouldn't say we lost because some of the players were not there, we shall have lost on the field of play, and it's not something good for us.

"Even now if someone were to say, 'Coach Ray, talk about the players,' I wouldn't because we are still in process of registering and we are not sure who might say what tomorrow."

Clubs are now playing decisive matches in the season, including traveling across the African continent in CAF inter-club competitions.

By Wednesday night, Mdaka was still wondering how much his roster would need to change before they jet out to Cairo next week. 

"The only one they are saying, that we knew even before we could release the team, was Shandre because they had written an email to say, due to the challenges of him being in the first team, [they cannot release him]," added the coach.

"Even as we speak now, I was saying to Mninwa [Ntloko, SAFA communications head], I can only confirm on Monday, when everybody is there, to say this is where we are in terms of the players.

"I cross my fingers, I don't even want to talk about that because I don't want blows – and due to the situation, blows might be there."

READ: Pirates explain CAF semi-final move to FNB Stadium