South Africa Under-23 star Gift Motupa is feeling more confident about the team's chances at this year's Olympics after the recent trip to Brazil.
Brazil beat South Africa 3-1 in a friendly encounter at the Rei Pele Stadium in Maceio at the weekend, but Motupa, who plays for Orlando Pirates, believes there were positive outcomes from the defeat.
"To be honest, that was a great experience and it was good for us as a team. It was good for us to meet them, because those guys are already international players," Motupa said yesterday.
"If we happen to be in the same group as them or meet them along the way, we will know what to expect.
"There can be no better preparation than meeting the hosts, who have some of the best players around. They were just outstanding and most of their players play in some of the best leagues around the world. I believe we did well," he said.
The 21-year-old reckoned that South Africa's U23 foreign-based players are adapting well to the set-up, which augured well for Owen da Gama's boys ahead of the Olympics.
Brazil's third most populous city, Rio de Janeiro, will host the Olympics in August.
"Phumlani Ntshangase, Keagan Dolly . We are used to each other. We have to get used to playing with Lebohang Phiri, Lebo Mothiba and Kgosi Ntlhe - those are the guys we have to get used to because we are not yet there with them. We still have a lot of time to get used to each other.
"I think with them in the team, it makes us stronger. The competition will be interesting and it will help the country," Motupa added.
The draw for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be conducted in Brazil on April 14.
lSee page 22
Motupa: We'll be ready
South Africa Under-23 star Gift Motupa is feeling more confident about the team's chances at this year's Olympics after the recent trip to Brazil.
Brazil beat South Africa 3-1 in a friendly encounter at the Rei Pele Stadium in Maceio at the weekend, but Motupa, who plays for Orlando Pirates, believes there were positive outcomes from the defeat.
"To be honest, that was a great experience and it was good for us as a team. It was good for us to meet them, because those guys are already international players," Motupa said yesterday.
"If we happen to be in the same group as them or meet them along the way, we will know what to expect.
"There can be no better preparation than meeting the hosts, who have some of the best players around. They were just outstanding and most of their players play in some of the best leagues around the world. I believe we did well," he said.
The 21-year-old reckoned that South Africa's U23 foreign-based players are adapting well to the set-up, which augured well for Owen da Gama's boys ahead of the Olympics.
Brazil's third most populous city, Rio de Janeiro, will host the Olympics in August.
"Phumlani Ntshangase, Keagan Dolly . We are used to each other. We have to get used to playing with Lebohang Phiri, Lebo Mothiba and Kgosi Ntlhe - those are the guys we have to get used to because we are not yet there with them. We still have a lot of time to get used to each other.
"I think with them in the team, it makes us stronger. The competition will be interesting and it will help the country," Motupa added.
The draw for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be conducted in Brazil on April 14.
lSee page 22
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos