South Africa’s National u19 Team coach David Notoane said the team was prepared to go one up from the bronze medal they collected last season as they begin their campaign with a match against Glasgow Rangers at Sugar Ray Xulu stadium on Friday afternoon. (Kick off 16h30).
The South Africa u19 team which is taking part in the annual Durban u19 International tournament that began on Thursday will be under the tutelage of Notoane who will be standing in for Thabo Senong who is in Brazil as assistant coach of the u23 Olympic Team.
Notoane will be assisted by former Orlando Pirates winger Helman Mkhalele as the SAu19 side try to win the tournament which has been going on for the past three years.
“It would be nice to go one up but our aim is actually to go and win this edition. We have the players who are eager to be counted and cement their places for the CAF u20 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Zambia early next year,” said Notoane.
“The fringe players know this is the opportunity to impress and be part of the squad that will go to Zambia. You can’t ask for better motivation from the players than for a player playing for his future.”
Notoane said going into Friday’s opening game for SA, the team had a clean bill of health and emphasised the need to start with the campaign with a bang.
SA are in Group B together with TP Mazembe, Flumenense and Rangers while Group A is made up of KZN Academy, Golden Arrows, Sporting Lisbon and Arsenal.