2 June 2019 – U23 coach coach David Notoane who is using his squad for this COSAFA Cup tournament has advised his young squad to go for the jugular against Botswana as South Africa square off against the Zebras in a quarter-final clash at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The match billed for 15:00 kick-off sees Notoane and his charges attempt to add to South Africa’s fourth COSAFA championship, with Zimbabwe on record as having won it six times.
Speaking after their last training session at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, the 50-year old mentor spoke positively of their opening fixture against Botswana.
“I think we’ve wrapped up our preparations well; of course it’s always difficult to touch on all the detail in a short space of time, especially that with players that have come off that period of a break,” said Notoane.
Notoane had to bid farewell to one of the few senior players Keegan Dolly from camp on the eve of the fixture after he sustained a groin injury at training. Keletso Magkalwa replaced the Montpelier attacking midfielder.
Prior to Magkalwa joining the squad late, Gift Links had replaced Phakamani Mahlambi who had been relieved from camp due to personal reasons.
The former Bafana striker however tips his boys to become men in front of an expectant KwaMashu crowd on Sunday afternoon.
“It is also very important that we hold the South African flag high in terms of getting a positive result especially in a COSAFA tournament where we’re expected to dominate the region.”
“It is very important for these boys to show that they are maturing, to show growth in terms of showing their aspirations.
Of course the priority is that we are in a tournament. When you are in a tournament it is very important, and we are in the quarterfinals, so we must play for a win.
A win for us gives us an opportunity to look at permutations, possibilities in terms of the long-term view of bringing in other players who would also want another opportunity to play,” the coach said.