The selection process for the under-17 national football team in the KwaZulu-Natal region has come under increasing scrutiny, with allegations of unfairness surfacing among various local football academies and clubs in the region.

The controversy erupted following the circulation of an unofficial list comprising 21 players allegedly selected for the national intake aimed at 2025, leaving many academies and clubs baffled and questioning the integrity of the selection criteria.

At the heart of the debate are clubs within the Ethekwini region, who have expressed strong concerns after not receiving any official communication from the South African Football Association (SAFA) or regional bodies.

The circulating letter called upon academies to release players for a three-day training camp set to be held at the KZN Academy earlier this week, yet it remains unclear how the chosen players were ultimately determined.

Frustration has been voiced by players, coaches, and parents alike, who have expressed a collective discontent over the apparent opacity surrounding the selection process.

One prominent voice in the discussion is Siyabonga Mnganga, head coach of the British Football Academy, based in Pinetown.

Mnganga's dismay is palpable, given that his club recently triumphed in both the Durban Central U-17 league and the U-16 Summer League—competitions where they met and bested several academies featured on the selection list.

“We were left in disbelief when we saw that list circulating because we didn’t believe it was official; if it was, then it would have been a process that was open to us as well,” Mnganga said.

He added, “There was no official communication suggesting that we bring players to be considered for selection, which is puzzling. I believe we have some of the best players in the province at that age group, and it’s worrying that they were left out.”

SAFA KZN Chairperson Kwenzakwakhe Ngwenya acknowledged the concerns raised, stating: “Clubs in the Pinetown Region are under SAFA Ethekwini, and that’s the entity that should have informed them.

“So, I’m surprised to hear that it wasn’t the case. We are aware of the complaints circulating about the selection process, particularly why the group seems heavily composed of AmaZulu and KZN Academy players.”

Adding to the disarray, Zama Buthelezi, secretary general of SAFA Ethekwini, clarified: “We as SAFA Ethekwini have no links to that entire process; we weren’t made aware of it, and therefore we can’t answer to the selection process.

“We just saw that circulating list like everyone else on social media.”

The revelations have raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the unusual composition of the selection group, which reportedly includes 16/17 from just two single academies.

“It is alarming when you see that list.

“Even if we don’t know what it’s for, it isn’t typical that national team selections at U17 level would comprise such a large percentage from one academy,” Buthelezi noted.