AFTER the dismal performance of Majimbos and Amajita in qualifiers for junior championships, the Under-23s have vowed to hoist the country's flag high on the road to the 2012 London Olympics.
Captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele said they wanted to emulate the success of the Class of 2000, who are the only local soccer side to have featured in the Olympics.
"We are well aware many South Africans are angry that Majimbos and Amajita fared badly in the continental competitions, but want to promise you that we will qualify for the 2012 Olympics.
"The most important thing is mental strength. We are fortunate that the majority of players in this team have been together since 2005 when we played for Majimbos."
Mphahlele said Monday's international friendly against Iran in Tehran was part of their preparations for the Olympic qualifiers.
The squad will also play in the qualifiers of the 2011 All Africa Games, the event where they won bronze in 1999 under current coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba.
Mashaba was the coach when the 2000 side qualified for the Olympics in Australia.
Mashaba yesterday called for an urgent meeting of all stakeholders of the game to map the way forward for the sport.
"There must be closer cooperation of all South African football stakeholders for the success of our teams in all the competitions."
We won't fail you, vow U-23s
AFTER the dismal performance of Majimbos and Amajita in qualifiers for junior championships, the Under-23s have vowed to hoist the country's flag high on the road to the 2012 London Olympics.
Captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele said they wanted to emulate the success of the Class of 2000, who are the only local soccer side to have featured in the Olympics.
"We are well aware many South Africans are angry that Majimbos and Amajita fared badly in the continental competitions, but want to promise you that we will qualify for the 2012 Olympics.
"The most important thing is mental strength. We are fortunate that the majority of players in this team have been together since 2005 when we played for Majimbos."
Mphahlele said Monday's international friendly against Iran in Tehran was part of their preparations for the Olympic qualifiers.
The squad will also play in the qualifiers of the 2011 All Africa Games, the event where they won bronze in 1999 under current coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba.
Mashaba was the coach when the 2000 side qualified for the Olympics in Australia.
Mashaba yesterday called for an urgent meeting of all stakeholders of the game to map the way forward for the sport.
"There must be closer cooperation of all South African football stakeholders for the success of our teams in all the competitions."
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