The upcoming Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) gives a number of fringe players a platform to prove to their clubs' coaches that they're worthy of starting berths.

The U-23 Afcon, an eight-nation tournament that will determine three nations to represent Africa at next year's Tokyo, Japan, Olympics, is schedule for November 8-11 in Egypt. To acclimatise and measure their readiness for the tournament, South Africa clash with the hosts in Cairo in an international friendly on Sunday (3pm).

While the final squad hasn't been confirmed, a number of players in the provisional team that travelled to Egypt are fringe players who're eager to make it to the tournament and play their hearts out to show their clubs' mentors they deserve to play.

Such players are the likes of Orlando Pirates left-back Bongani Sam, Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana and Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper Darren Johnson.

"I really hope to do well with the national team to play at my team. it's my dream to go and play at Afcon, if I am selected I will give it my all," said Ngezana, who's only featured once for Amakhosi this season, coming off the bench in the second half of their 2-0 win over Golden Arrows two weeks ago.

"I am working hard to end up in the final squad. It's every player's dream to represent his country. I think if I can do well here maybe that can boost my chances of getting game time when I return to my team," said Sam, who's yet to make his official Bucs debut after joining from Bloemfontein Celtic at the start of the season.

Meanwhile, the David Notoane-coached side also boast players who've already stamped their authority at their clubs, the likes of SuperSport's Sipho Mbule and captain Tercious Malepe, who's plying his trade in Port Elizabeth with Chippa United.

South Africa are in Group B alongside Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. In the first match, Notoane's charges lock horns with Zambia on November 9, before entertaining defending champions Nigeria three days later. South Africa's last pool game is against Ivory Coast on November 15.