JOHANNESBURG – South Africa's Under-23 Olympic team coach David Notoane is certainly trying to make sure it's all systems go leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
At the moment he is busy finalising his final squad to compete at Afcon Under-23 tournament in Egypt which will determine which top three African teams will compete in Tokyo.
Notoane is expected to name his final squad later this week.
The team is scheduled to go into camp on Monday, October 28, as they undergo mandatory medicals before flying out to Egypt.
South Africa are in Group B together with Cosafa compatriots Zambia, who they meet in the opening game at Al Salam Stadium on November 9, Ivory Coast and champions Nigeria.
Group A consists of hosts Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana and Mali.
Group A matches will be played at Cairo International Stadium while Al Salam Stadium will host all Group B matches.
The SA under-23 team during a practice session. Photo: www.safa.net
After the Zambia game, Notoane’s charges will meet Nigeria on November 12 and round off their group matches with a game against Ivory Coast three days later.
Last week, South Africa played to a 1-1 draw against Egypt in a practice game in Ismailia before narrowly losing 1-0 to the same opponents in a friendly international game at Cairo International Stadium.