Jordaan banking on Mbokazi U20 World Cup call-up

In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport from Bloemfontein, Jordaan revealed that he will soon be meeting Orlando Pirates as he tries to reach an agreement with them for Mbokazi’s availability.

"We have never had such an excellent defender at that age, and the opportunity to play in the U20 World Cup is great because you have the whole world watching.

"I hope we can find an understanding on the matter with Orlando Pirates."

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SABC Sport understands that Mbokazi’s name has been added to the preliminary list of players registered for the tournament, but Pirates’ confirmation is still needed. Jordaan says with Mbokazi in the team, Amajita would have a solid squad for the tournament.

"I think we have an excellent U20 team, and I'm hoping that Mbokazi can go with them, because if he goes, our defence will be really solid. We have a talented goalkeeper, and the midfield and attack are very good good too."

The 19-year-old was part of Amajita’s team for the COSAFA U20 Championships last year but missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament this year, where Raymond Mdaka’s team were crowned as champions.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos says Mbokazi is European club material, a statement Jordaan fully agrees with.

Another player, whose name was not confirmed as to whether he would be available for the FIFA U20 World Cup, was Club Brugge attacker Shandre Campbell. Like Mbokazi, he was not part of the triumphant squad at the AFCON, but Jordaan also assures that he could be on the flight to Santiago, having been part of the training camp this past week.

"We did not include Shandre Campbell in the U20 AFCON, in exchange for him to be available for the U20 World Cup. He is already integrating into the team, and when you bring all of these talented youngsters together, I think great things can happen in the World Cup."