Easy win for SA Under-23s over Brazil’s police

National Under-23 coach Owen Da Gama. Photo by: Chris Ricco

National Under-23 coach Owen Da Gama. Photo by: Chris Ricco

Published Jul 29, 2016

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Keagan Dolly arrived in Brazil and immediately took to the field as the South African Under-23 team wrapped up their preparations for the Rio Olympics with a 4-0 win over the Brazilian police department in Brasilia on Friday.

Mamelodi Sundowns star Dolly left Johannesburg on Thursday after helping his club to a 1-0 victory over Egyptian giants Zamalek on Wednesday night in the African Champions League, which secured their qualification for the semi-finals.

Pictures posted by the SA Football Association on the Twitter feed showed Dolly lining up a shot against the police outfit in what became a bizarre situation.

The practice match was hastily arranged by the team management after plans to face other countries or local clubs failed to materialise, and it would be hoped that no unnecessary injuries were picked up as all of Tashreeq Morris, Mothobi Mvala, Thabiso Kutumela and Phumlani Ntshangase (all hamstring) and Kwanda Mngonyama (ankle) either sat out entirely or hardly participated in Wednesday’s training session.

“We would have loved to play another country, and we did try to arrange with other countries. However, they were not available. We also made enquiries with local clubs, but nothing came of it,” SA Under-23 coach Owen da Gama said before the match.

“We will play the police team in order to firstly assist the players in getting the feel of the high tempo, and, secondly, to acclimatise to the conditions of a real match situation.”

The outing was much-needed for the South Africans, especially with the late arrival in camp of Dolly and French-based striker Lebogang Mothiba.

Da Gama is still waiting on Kaizer Chiefs duo Itumeleng Khune and Erick Mathoho, who were granted permission to turn out for their clubs in Saturday’s Champion Cup pre-season friendly against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium.

But there are doubts about whether they will be able to feature in the SA Under-23s’ Olympic opener against hosts Brazil next Thursday, August 4 at the Mane Garrincha Stadium (9pm SA time) as they are only scheduled to arrive in Brasilia the day before the match.

South Africa’s other Group A opponents are Denmark (2am SA time on Monday, August 8) and Iraq (3am SA time on Thursday, August 11).

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