The South African Men’s Olympic team defeated the Brasilia Police Department 4-0 in a practice match played in Brasilia on Friday, 29 July 2016.

The South African Men’s Olympic team defeated the Brasilia Police Department 4-0 in a practice match played in Brasilia on Friday, 29 July 2016.

A brace by Thabiso Kutumela, a penalty from Tyroane Sandows and a tap in by Keagan Dolly gave the South Africans the much needed confidence ahead of their opening match against hosts Brazil in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Dolly, who has had an outstanding season with current premier league champions Mamelodi Sundowns, arrived in Brasilia and immediately got into the action.

The midfielder has not had much rest in months.

He led South Africa to the Olympics as captain in Senegal last year, and also helped his club to a semi-final berth in the CAF Champions League after a 1-0 victory over Zamalek on Wednesday, 27 July before flying out to Brasilia.

“I am very happy to finally be in Brazil with my teammates, I have not been part of the national set up camps for a while now due to club commitments, and that is why I wanted to play on arrival. I just wanted to get in sync with the rest of the team,” said Dolly.

“I believe that we are a good team and that the Olympic Games will open many doors for us as players. When I speak to my teammates I always tell them that this is the time for us to make an impression and I hope it all goes according to plan. We have a crucial few days left to finalise our preparations and I am confident we will continue where we left off when the tournament starts. This win was a good morale booster as it is always nice to go into a tournament at the back of a win.”

The Men’s Olympic Team will play in the opening match of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games against Brazil on Thursday, 4 July 2016.

It will take place at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.

Kickoff is at 16h00.