Mdaka Names Bafana U23 Squad for Madagascar Tie
Raymond Mdaka has named South Africa's Under-23 squad for the CAF Olympic qualifier against Madagascar, with both legs at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Olympics
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South Africa U23 head coach Raymond Mdaka has named a squad for the third-round CAF Under-23 Afcon and 2028 Olympic qualifier against Madagascar. Both legs of the tie will be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.
Why it matters
South Africa last competed at the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020, so this qualifier is the route back to the Games in Los Angeles. The winner of the tie will face Rwanda or Cameroon in March 2027.
The squad includes players from Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and several overseas clubs, following a 3-1 win and a 1-1 draw against Algeria. The qualifier outcome against Madagascar has not yet been determined.
The players
Raymond Mdaka
Mdaka is the head coach of South Africa's Under-23 national team, responsible for selecting the squad for the Olympic qualifiers.
Confederation of African Football (CAF)
CAF is the governing body of football in Africa and organises the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations and its Olympic qualifying tournaments.
The details
Madagascar received a free pass in the earlier round, and South Africa received a bye after Comoros withdrew. Madagascar does not have a stadium that meets Fifa standards, which is why both legs will be hosted in Pretoria.
Timeline
Saturday next month: Madagascar home first leg at 3pm
17 November 2026: Return leg against Madagascar at 8pm
March 2027: Winner faces Rwanda or Cameroon
2027: Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt
2028: Olympic Games in Los Angeles
Olympics Context
South Africa last appeared at the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020, and this qualifier is the first step toward returning to the Games in Los Angeles in 2028. The top two teams at the 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations will secure Olympic places.
Qualification from this tie would keep South Africa on track for a place at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. A loss would end the country's Olympic qualifying campaign at this stage.
The takeaway
The Madagascar tie is the first step in South Africa's qualifying route to the 2028 Olympics, and the squad selection signals continuity with the Algeria friendlies. Fans can track both legs at Lucas Moripe Stadium in November.
What happens next
The first leg against Madagascar is scheduled for Saturday next month at 3pm, followed by the return leg on 17 November 2026 at 8pm at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Further reading
Explore more on Olympics coverage for the road to the 2028 Games.
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Would you attend a South Africa U23 qualifier match in Pretoria this November?
