21 November 2019 – South Africa’s National Under-23 attacking midfielder Kobamelo Kodisang says Ghana should brace themselves for a fight of their lives when both sides meet at this Friday’s U-23 AFCON 3rd/4th playoff match.
And that is mainly because a win in this tie will guarantee South Africa the only remaining ticket to next year’s Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.
Kodisang, who has already featured in three FIFA junior World Cup tournaments (2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, 2017 & 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup), said qualifying for next year’s Olympics would be a dream come true for both him and his teammates.
The match between South Africa and Ghana will take place at Cairo Stadium at 16h30.
“Qualifying for the Olympics will certainly be a dream come true for both me and my teammates,” Kodisang said. “Our captain, Tercious Malepe, is the only player in this current Under-23 squad who has featured in the previous Rio Olympic Games. He has been instrumental in inspiring the team to fight for qualification for next year’s edition and everyone in the team is just highly motivated in achieving that goal.”
The 20-year old also added that the match against Ghana is not going to be easy, however, they will through everything at it in order to come out with the desired win.
“The coaching staff has been working really hard in getting ready for this matchup,” Kodisang said. “We all know what is at stake here and we will give it our utmost best to secure the desired win.”
PLAYER FACT FILE
Name: Kobamelo
Surname: Kodisang
Nickname: none
Age (date of birth): 20, 28 August 1999
Position: Forward
Province/City: Rusternburg
Club: Sanjoanense FC
Previous Club: Platinum Stars, Bidvest Wits
Caps: U-20 20, U-17 17, U23 4
Goals: U-20 2, U-17 0, U23 1
League: Campeonato de Portugal
Honours: 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Championship runner-up, 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations third place, 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, 2017 & 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup
Amajita Debut: vs Namibia (2017 AFCON qualifier)
First Goal: vs Malawi (2019 AFCON qualifier)
Height & Weight: 1.66m, 66kg