National under-23 midfielder Deolin Mekoa is eager to make a big impression at the Rio Olympics.
The Maritzburg United winger will feature for South Africa at the world's biggest event and the 22-year-old said he was eager to impress overseas scouts who are expected to descend at the quadrennial Games.
"I would love to come out with a gold medal there and get a contract overseas. This is a big stage and a lot of people will be there.
"I don't want to come back to SA; I want to go forward. There are a couple of countries where I would l love to start like Belgium and Turkey," said Mekoa.
Mekoa is well aware that it is easier said than done, but remains confident nonetheless.
"I'll play my normal game and not be pressured. I will have to work hard and not give the ball away," Mekoa said.
SA kick off their campaign against hosts Brazil at Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Thursday (9pm SA time).
"The first game is always the important one and is a must-win. Everybody is talking about Neymar but we also have quality players like Keagan Dolly [Mamelodi Sundowns winger]. We are going to take each game as it comes.
"We are not going to put pressure on ourselves. We will push and leave it up to God," Mekoa said.
Mekoa eager to attract scouts at Olympics
National under-23 midfielder Deolin Mekoa is eager to make a big impression at the Rio Olympics.
The Maritzburg United winger will feature for South Africa at the world's biggest event and the 22-year-old said he was eager to impress overseas scouts who are expected to descend at the quadrennial Games.
"I would love to come out with a gold medal there and get a contract overseas. This is a big stage and a lot of people will be there.
"I don't want to come back to SA; I want to go forward. There are a couple of countries where I would l love to start like Belgium and Turkey," said Mekoa.
Mekoa is well aware that it is easier said than done, but remains confident nonetheless.
"I'll play my normal game and not be pressured. I will have to work hard and not give the ball away," Mekoa said.
SA kick off their campaign against hosts Brazil at Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Thursday (9pm SA time).
"The first game is always the important one and is a must-win. Everybody is talking about Neymar but we also have quality players like Keagan Dolly [Mamelodi Sundowns winger]. We are going to take each game as it comes.
"We are not going to put pressure on ourselves. We will push and leave it up to God," Mekoa said.