Menzi Masuku can feel his career taking off, the Orlando Pirates forward said this week ahead of leaving for two international friendlies against Tunisia in Tunis with the South African Under-23s.

Owen Da Gama's Young Bafana meet Tunisia at Stade Olympique El Menzah this evening and on Monday in matches that serve as preparation for the CAF U-23 Championship in Senegal from November 28.

Masuku is one of the rising stars Da Gama will be looking to as SA attempt to finish in the top three to reach the Rio 2016 Olympics.

He made just five league and cup appearances, but in one of those, a 4-1 win against SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium, Masuku really served notice of his talent with a brace that included last season's PSL goal of the year. This season Masuku has become a regular under Pirates coach Eric Tinkler.

"I also do see the progress. I've always wanted to play regularly, and also to represent my national team," Masuku said.

The Under-23s looked a bonded and motivated outfit this week training at the School of Excellence in Elandsfontein ahead of their departure for Tunis on Wednesday night.

"As a group we respect each other and love working with each other. Whether we're playing friendlies or qualifiers, we're very motivated. "It's very important for us as players and as a group as the Under-23s, to remain focused and humble," Masuku said.

"Since everything is going well, everyone is motivated and you can see everyone is doing well with their club teams as well. I believe we have a big chance of qualifying for the Olympics."

Surrounded by talent such as IF Brondby defensive midfielder Lebogang Phiri, Lille striker Lebo Mothiba and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Keagan Dolly, Masuku and his team mates would seem to have a decent chance of reaching the Olympics. Masuku said emulating the last team to go to the Olympics in Sydney in 2000 is a motivation for this generation.

"As a young boy you dream of such things and playing in these kinds of tournaments."