TS Galaxy defender Macbeth Mahlangu was on the bench for the South African u/23 soccer team at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo this afternoon.

He did not get a chance to see action in the match which Japan won 1-0.

The 19-year-old was part of the broader Olympic training squad, but was not part of the initial 19-man team selected for the games.

Shortly after the announcement of the team, five players withdrew due to injury, and Mahlangu was announced as one of the replacements.

Mahlangu has played 29 matches for TS Galaxy since 2019.

“We are proud of you, @macbeth_mahlangu, and we have no doubt that you’ll represent us with distinction against Japan, Mexico and France. Let’s show him some love!” said TS Galaxy on their Facebook page.

The team arrived in Tokyo last Wednesday.

They will play France at the Saitama Stadium on July 28 at 10:00, before their last group A match against Mexico at the Sapporo Dome on July 28 at 13:00.

TS Galaxy play their home matches at Mbombela Stadium.