Liverpool youngster dropped from SA U-17 final squad

The U-17 AFCON is starting on 29 April – 19 May 2023 in Algeria and South Africa is in Group B alongside Zambia, Nigeria, and Morocco.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Liverpool Academy defender Gabriano Shelton has not made the final squad, joining four other foreign-based players who have been dropped.

Crowie summoned eight foreign-based players but only three have made the final list.

Atlanta United FC goalkeeper Kyle Jansen, Norwich defender Waylon Renecke and Vitesse FC striker Michael Dokunmu are the three foreign-based players selected.

The Amajimbos went into camp on 9 April 2023 with 28 players at the SAFA National Technical Centre.

Crowie expressed optimism that his charges are not going to Algeria to add numbers.

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He said all the players deserved a place in the final squad. However, he could only take 21 for the tournament.

“When we met on Sunday we could see that commonality between the overseas-based players and the local-based players…. And that gave me hope towards selecting this team,” Crowie said.

 “No one in the preparation camp was a bad player. Everyone was a talented player, but unfortunately we had to select only 21.”

“So far I am happy with the preparations….. And I hope that we can continue in the same vein towards the tournament,” he added.

The Amajimbos will open its AFCON campaign against Morocco on 30^th April 2023.