Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

The South African under-23s have started in earnest with their preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics second round return match against Uganda.

The game is scheduled for the capital Kampala on March 24. South Africa enjoy a comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg in Potchefstroom on February 7.

The two goals were scored by in-form striker Lerato Chabangu and well-travelled Sweden-based midfielder Lance Davids.

Barney Kujane, the South African team's project manager, is heading a delegation leaving for the east African country today.

The delegation, which will be in Kampala for three days, will also include representatives of Sasol, sponsors of the South African Olympic soccer side.

"We are going to Uganda on a fact-finding mission, we will be checking out accommodation and training facilities," said Kujane."

Coach Steve Komphela and his assistant Serame Letsoaka are expected to retain the same squad that beat Uganda in Potchefstroom. As was the case in the first leg, captain Robyn Johannes will still be out after undergoing an operation last weekend.

The winner of the two-legged qualifier will advance to the group stages where the three countries finishing on top will earn a place in the Olympic finals in China.

Komphela said South Africa will reach the Olympics this time round after failing to qualify for the 2004 competition in Athens.