The 2004 Olympic Games, to be held in Athens, Greece, are uppermost in the minds of the South African under-23 soccer squad as they begin their preliminary qualification round this weekend.
The squad takes on the Kenyan team, which has not seen much action until now.
But Amaglugglug coach Kenneth ”Conti” Kubheka has no illusions that the Kenyan team will be easy to beat.
The squad may not have played many games but they must not be nderestimated, he said.
Kubheka is well aware of the importance of Saturday’s game at the Orlando Stadium. Amaglugglug will need to win both games against Kenya if they are to get a fair chance of qualifying.
Africa has four places reserved in the Olympics, with only the group leaders of each stage going through to Athens.
”We have to win these two games against Kenya if we are to be part of the group stages,” said Kubheka.
Amaglugglug have been preparing for Saturday’s game for the past week. Nasief Morris, Bevan Fransman and Zitha Mofokeng have been called back from overseas.
”The players are keen to go for the kill here at home. We will be attacking from the first minute and will try to keep a clean sheet against them,” said Kubheka.
He said it will be tough qualifying for the Olympics — there will be no second chances. ”You have to be simply the best.”