Head coach of the South African Olympic team, Owen Da Gama will try new combinations when the team faces the Japanese Olympic team in the Kirin Challenge Cup in Matsumoto, Japan.

Head coach of the South African Olympic team, Owen Da Gama will try new combinations when the team faces the Japanese Olympic team in the Kirin Challenge Cup in Matsumoto, Japan.

Kickoff is at 12h30 South African time (19h30 local time).

Jody February will start in goals ahead of Reyaad Pieterse who played the majority of matches in the COSAFA Cup.

The back four will see Abbubaker Mobara at right back, while Tebogo Moerane continues to impress at left back. Current team captain Rivaldo Coetzee will play alongside Tshepo Rikhotso, who has been brought back at central defence.

Debutant to the national set up Mothobi Mvala will start in the middle of the park, and will draw inspiration from the hard working Deolin Mekoa.

The speedy Thapelo Morena has also returned to the starting line up at right wing, while PSL youngest player of the year Aubrey Modiba will maintain his good run at left wing.

Top goal scorers of the COSAFA Cup Menzi Masuku and Gift Motupa will lead the team up front, as they look to increase their goal tallies ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“The Japanese are the Asian u23 Champions so we look forward to a thrilling match. Like we said before we need these type of matches to build on our strengths and weaknesses ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games,” said Da Gama.

South Africa starting XI:
Jody February, Abbubaker Mobara, Tebogo Moerane, Rivaldo Coetzee (c); Tshepo Rikhotso; Mothobi Mvala, Deolin Mekoa, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Menzi Masuku, Gift Motupa

Subs:
Reyaad Pieterse (GK), Nkosingiphile Gumede (GK), Tercious Malepe; Siphesihle Stuurman, Thembela Sikhakhane, Paseka Mako; Thembinkosi Lorch; Thabiso Kutumela; Judas Moseamedi