The South African U23 Men’s National Team has officially begun its journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Head Coach Raymond Mdaka has assembled 33 players for a selection camp, which started on Wednesday and is set to conclude on Monday, July 6, 2026.
This camp serves as preparation for Africa’s preliminary qualification phase, scheduled for September, November, and December this year, played on a home-and-away basis. Mdaka noted the squad primarily consists of players from the PSL, NFD, and ABC Motsepe League, with approximately 60 percent having participated in the U20 COSAFA.
The teams that successfully navigate these qualifiers will secure a spot at the U23 Africa Cup of Nations next year. The finalists of that tournament will then earn their tickets to the Olympic Games, where Africa has been allocated two slots for football.
This early preparation for the 2028 Olympics could influence the development of young South African talent, potentially affecting future national team performance and player valuations.
Stellenbosch Fc