A total of four players in the South African Men’s Olympic Team will delay their departure to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games following requests from their clubs.

A total of four players in the South African Men’s Olympic Team will delay their departure to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games following requests from their clubs

The latest is Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Keagan Dolly who will feature for his club in the return leg of the CAF Champions League fixture against Zamalek of Egypt on Wednesday, 27 July.

The match takes place at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

Kickoff is at 19h30.

Dolly’s teammates at the SA u23 side depart for Brazil on Saturday, 23 July, and he will only leave after the match.

The midfielder was instrumental in his club’s 2-1 win away to Zamalek in Egypt on Sunday, 17 July.

“Keagan is a true gem and we understand why his club has requested to still keep him for as long as they can. We are all supporting Mamelodi Sundowns in their quest to conquer the continent and therefore we have agreed that he may stay behind and join us later,” said SA u23 head coach Owen da Gama.

“We also have the situation of Lebo Mothiba, who plays for Lille FC in France. He is also expected to join his compatriots on Wednesday, 27 July – this comes after he was promoted to the first team at this club and they are currently in pre-season training.”

Also arriving late at the Olympics will be the Kaizer Chiefs duo of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and Erick Mathoho who will only be released by their clubs after next weekend’s (Saturday, 30 July) Carling Black Label Champions Cup clash against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium.