SA U23s may not medal in Rio, but...

Johannesburg - The thing that drives South Africa's Olympic football team is that almost everyone has something to play for, including the coach Owen da Gama who had his image torn to shreds by accusations that he asked for money from Platinum Stars players in return for a place in the starting XI.

Those accusations were never proven but they nonetheless tarnished his image which could be rescued by a good showing in the Olympics.

A medal might not be a realistic target, but a place in the knockout stage is possible with one of the most talented generation in South African football.

If you think that’s hyperbolic, remember that the likes of Phakamani Mahlambi and Siphelele Ntshangase are not even in the team after injuries ruled them out of the Olympics a long time ago.

The players who made the cut have shown great determination and a good fighting spirit. They trailed in most of their Olympic qualifiers and all the matches in the Cosafa Cup.

Yet they were able to come back and qualify for the global showpiece along with winning the Cosafa Cup with a squad that was made up of 60 per cent of the players who are going to the Olympics. At full strength they can hold their own in Group A that has the hosts Brazil, Denmark and Iraq.

Da Gama chose Itumeleng Khune, pictured, and Erick Mathoho as the over-age players to solidify what has been a shaky defence. It’s not because the Under-23 players aren’t talented, but their reserved nature counts against them.

There was a need for a vocal leader at the back. Khune will have to do the job because of his vast experience having played in every major competition.

The good thing about the defence is that they can switch roles around with ease. Tercious Malepe is a left-footed centreback who is able to cover for Tebogo Moerane when he goes forward just like Rivaldo Coetzee does the same thing at right-back.

Abbubaker Mobara can play almost everywhere on the pitch.There was a strong emphasis on versatile players when Da Gama selected the 18, which is what counted against players like Thabiso Kutumela and Thapelo Morena who are on stand-by.

It didn’t help them that they play in the team’s strongest department - their attack. Keagan Dolly will be the talisman, playing more as a playmaker who drifts wide than doing it the other way around at his club Mamelodi Sundowns. Brazil-based Tyroane Sandowns will offer valuable insight with the tournament in his second-home.

Lebogang Mothiba will be looking to show why French giants Lille gave him a first team contract.A medal might be a tough ask. But if this generation can stay together they will give South Africa their second Africa Cup of Nations, something that last happened in 1996 when most of these players were toddlers.

They were a bit older in 2000, 16 years ago, when the country last had a men’s team in the Olympics.

“I was very little then,” Dolly said. “I didn’t watch the Games. But I know that after the tournament a lot of the players got contracts overseas. I told the boys that once we qualify for the Olympics, doors and opportunities will be open for us. What we need to do is play our normal game and not respect Brazil.

“We know that they have great individuals. But we also have good players and we are a good team. If we play our normal game, we can represent our country well and who knows, maybe impress a few scouts. That would take our careers to the next level, which is what is driving all of us.”

Squad

Goalkeepers

Itumeleng Khune and Jody February

Defenders

Kwanda Mngonyama, Rivaldo Coetzee, Abbubaker Mobara, Mothobi Mvala, Erick Mathoho, Tebogo Moerane and Tercious Malepe

Midfielders

Gift Motupa, Aubrey Modiba, Deolin Mekoa, Keagan Dolly (c) and Phumlani Ntshangase

Strikers

Menzi Masuku, Tashreeq Morris, Lebogang Mothiba and Tyroane Sandows

On Standby

Nkosingiphile Gumede (‘keeper), Andile Fikizolo (midfielder), Thapelo Morena (midfielder) and Thabiso Kutumela (striker)

MATCHES