6 September 2019 – Pacy winger Gift Links says South Africa’s National Under-23 side would need to score as many goals as possible in their third round, first leg qualifier encounter against Zimbabwe, if they are to increase their chances of qualifying into this year’s U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.

Links, who recently earned a move to Danish SuperLiga side Aarhus GF, was referring to the performance the National Under-23s pulled in their second round AFCON qualifier against Angola.

South Africa hammered Angola 6-1 on aggregate, scoring three goals in each leg of the round.

Links stated that this is one attitude they need to take with them when they face Zimbabwe in a first leg tie on Friday at Orlando Stadium at 19h00.

“We need to score as many goals as possible and make sure that we go to Zimbabwe having secured a very good result,” Links said. “That will see us in a very good position to push for qualification come the second leg in Bulawayo. That is what everybody in the team wants”

Asked about his move to Europe, Links said: “It is every player’s dream to earn a move abroad and I am just excited that it has happened for me. I did a background check on the club and I am truly looking forward to the challenge and creating new memories playing there.”

The 20-year midfielder also praised Bafana Bafana legend and Cape Town City FC coach Benni McCarthy for playing a massive part in his growth as a footballer, adding that McCarthy always believed that he would one day earn a move abroad.

“Coach Benni has been really influential in helping me grow as a player and working with him played a massive part in that aspect of my life,” Links said.

“That is one of the reasons why I joined Cape Town City (following his spell with Egyptian side, Pyramids FC). He is a great motivator and always told me that I had what it took to earn a move abroad. I just want to do good when I get there.”