The tournament serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2023, to be held in Peru.
While SAFA are busy trying to get their necessary preparations under way, they have encountered a problem with Mamelodi Sundowns allegedly refusing to release their youth sensation, Siyabonga Mabena, in time to join the camp, according to a report by iDiski Times.
Sundowns next match, which could be the reason for them not releasing Mabena, is on Saturday in the Nedbank Cup against Stellenbosch FC.
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During the Cosafa U17 tournament, which served as a qualifier for the AFCON, Mabena was a revelation for Duncan Crowie's side, scoring nine goals and winning player of the tournament.
He is expected to take Algeria by storm when the tournament begins, and possibly help the national U17s make it to Peru.
"This week, they said they will not release Mabena due to PSL commitments and we won’t be surprised if he plays 10 minutes against Stellenbosch," the source stated as quoted by iDiski Times.
https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/africa-cup-of-nations/safa-outraged-by-sundowns-mabena-decision/
"They want to release Mabena when the tournament begins but we need to do our own MRI tests tomorrow – before going to Algeria."
The source also highlighted the fact that they have had some challenges with some overseas players, but a few have joined the camp, and they don't expect to be fighting a local club to release a player.
"Some overseas-based players will not be part of the squad, but some as far as the United States traveled but we have to fight with a local club," he added.
"We have nothing against Sundowns, but we facing issues to have the best possible preparation for the tournament."
