Amajita defender Tylon Smith has opened up on the withdrawal of Mbekezeli Mbokazi as part of their defence for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mbokazi, 19, has been a key figure for the squad that has been built over the past year but has emerged as a key figure in the Orlando Pirates senior team since being promoted from the DStv Diski Challenge squad.
He’s started nine successive games since making his senior debut against Chippa United in March and with the club still in contention for the Nedbank Cup, league and CAF Champions League, they’ve opted to withdraw him from the U20 national team.
Smith says it’s up to those who are now selected to rise up to the occasion in Egypt, where they are in Group A alongside the hosts, Zambia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone.
“I’m taking responsibility, playing my normal game and having faith in my left centre-back,” Smith said.
“Mbokazi is a quality player, strong player, we just have to now play simple whoever is next to me as a left centre-back
“We just need to encourage ourselves and one another and we can get through this.”
The Stellenbosch defender says it’s a major chance to measure themselves amongst the finest on the continent and they have no fear.
“We feeling excited as the camp, it’s a huge opportunity for us to showcase our talent and compete against the best countries,” Smith said ahead of the tournament.
“For us, it’s about basics, of course we want to win and as a team we want to go there and give our all to fight to win the tournament.
“The first game is very important, if we win that, the players will have a feeling for the tournament. The energy levels are high, the players are not scared, we have a lot of talent in our team.”
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Asekho Tiwani will meet the squad in Cairo where he is currently with his club for the second leg CAF Champions League semi-final against Al Ahly.
