Raymond Mdaka is demonstrating outstanding results working with the Amajita team and the U23 national team, despite a limited budget. Proponents of sustainable football development in South Africa insist on the need to eliminate a significant gap in remuneration levels.
Final Whistle
The South African U-23 national team is possibly in its healthiest form since the 2000 team that participated in the country's first Olympic Games in Sydney. There is hope that SAFA is taking all steps to maintain this condition in the foreseeable future.
The team, which gathered in a camp for the first time in four years, showed polished play, managing to come back into the score and defeat Tanzania 3-1 in an international friendly match held on Thursday afternoon at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.
The players demonstrated not only composure, accuracy, and charisma, but also real team chemistry and a sense of belonging. This was the result of hard work and self-sacrifice, not just chance or the tactical genius of assistant coach Kabelo Mogudi.
A large part of the players came from the U20 Amajita team, which won the title in the COSAFA and African regions, and in recent months was among the best in the world—all under the leadership of head coach Raymond Mdaka.
Mdaka admitted that the work was not easy. The team struggled to obtain basic necessities, such as suitable accommodation and water supply, during preparations for AFCON, and arrived at the final with a lack of resources. Nevertheless, knowing their goals, they achieved something incredible: winning the Africa Youth Championship for the first time, which secured them a spot in the World Cup and opened doors for player progression or signing lucrative contracts in local and foreign markets.
Now, working with the U-23, the team aims to secure one of the top two positions in the AFCON in Egypt next year to guarantee their participation in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which would be their first appearance since Tokyo 2020.
At the same time, SAFA must act more responsibly. This team needs not just basic provisions comparable to the senior team; technical staff must also be properly supported, especially head coach Mdaka. Mdaka juggles two roles—continuing to train the U20 while leading the U23, and excels in both.
Before joining the current camp, he successfully led the Amajita team, defending the COSAFA title and qualifying for AFCON in Mozambique.
He emphasized that the transition between camps was quick for both him and Mogudi, but believed they had sufficient resources to excel in both roles. So far, things are going well, as their final friendly match against Algeria is scheduled for the same venue in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
However, while Mdaka speaks warmly about his willingness to serve, his management at SAFA does not show the same enthusiasm regarding paying him his due salary. After he led the U20 to the AFCON title last year, it was revealed that SAFA paid him less than 50,000 rand per month.
This is worrying, especially considering that 'Bafana Bafana' coach Hugo Bruus received a staggering salary of 1.4 million rand per month, and Pitso Mosimane reportedly received seven-figure sums.
Of course, the issue is not that Mdaka should match the highest-paid players of 'Bafana'. But if Mdaka is the person expected to create synergy between divisions and ensure a successful transition of juniors to the senior team, then SAFA must provide at least some degree of pay parity.
Because this is about more than just Mdaka. It is about how seriously South Africa is committed to creating a sustainable pathway from Amajita to U23, and ultimately to 'Bafana'.
Mdaka may not possess the most flamboyant personality, as he is reserved, quiet, and simple. However, he holds the future of South African football in his hands. And therefore, SAFA must take proper care of him.