Xaniseka Raymond Mdaka (born 1 January 1970) is a South African former teacher and soccer manager who is the current head coach of the South Africa national under-20 and under-23 teams.
In 2025, he became the first South African coach to win a continental youth title when he won the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Personal life Mdaka grew up in Ga-Mokgwathi village outside Tzaneen and is of Balobedu heritage. He is the sixth of nine children.
He matriculated at Gwambeni High School and obtained his teaching diploma at Giyani College of Education.
Managerial career
Marumo Gallants He led Marumo Gallants to their first semi-final at the 2022–23 CAF Confederation Cup.
South Africa under-20 Mdaka was appointed Amajita coach in 2024. He won the 2024 COSAFA U-20 Cup with the team not conceding in the entire tournament and qualified for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
At the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations he became the first South African coach to win a youth continental title after his team defeated Morocco 1–0 in the final. He then lead the team to their second round of 16 finish at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in sixteen years.
At the 2026 COSAFA U-20 Cup, he won his second COSAFA U-20 title and qualified the team to the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa under-23 In 2026, Mdaka was appointed head coach of the South Africa under-23 team.
Honours
U-20 Africa Cup of Nations: 2025 COSAFA U-20 Cup: 2024, 2026
References