Coach of the South African u23 National Team, Owen da Gama, has named the squad to represent the country at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games scheduled to start next month.
GOALKEEPERS:
1. Jody FEBRUARY Ajax Cape Town FC (SA)
2. Itumeleng KHUNE Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
DEFENDERS
3. Kwandakwensizwa MNGONYAMA Maritzburg United FC (SA)
4.Rivaldo COETZEE Ajax Cape Town FC (SA)
5. Abbubaker MOBARA Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
6. Mothobi MVALA Highlands Park FC (SA)
7. Erick MATHOHO Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
8.Tebogo MOERANE Bidvest Wits FC (SA)
9. Tercious MALEPE Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
MIDFIELDERS:
10. Gift MOTUPA Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
11. Maphosa MODIBA Mpumalanga Black Aces FC (SA)
12. Deolin MEKOA Maritzburg United FC (SA)
13. Keagan DOLLY Mamelodi Sundowns (SA)
14. Phumlani NTSHANGASE Bidvest Wits FC (SA)
STRIKERS:
15. Menzi MASUKU Chippa United FC (SA)
16. Tashreeq MORRIS Ajax Cape Town FC (SA)
17. Lebogang MOTHIBA Lille F.C (France)
18. Tyroane SANDOWS Gremio FC (Brazil)
Additional Players:
1. Nkosingiphile GUMEDE Golden Arrows FC (SA)
2. Andile FIKIZOLO Golden Arrows FC(SA)
3. Thapelo MORENA Bloemfontein Celtics FC (SA)
4. Thabiso KUTUMELA Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
The rules of the competition have made provision for an additional four players to be part of the squad that travels to Brazil. These players are on the standby list and will be called upon should any of the first 18 players get injured.
South Africa is in Group A alongside hosts Brazil, Iraq and Denmark.
South Africa last participated in the Olympic Games in 2000 under the leadership of Ephraim “Shakes”Mashaba who is currently the Bafana Bafana head coach.
Article:Madoda Ntuli