SA Under-23s good to go against Congo despite some issues

The South African Under-23 team seems to have settled well in Congo-Brazzaville despite some logistic issues like unavailability of a proper training ground.

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Coach David Notoane is upbeat ahead of the second leg clash of the Caf Olympic qualifiers against the hosting nation at Massamba-Debat Stadium on Monday.

Notoane and his SA Under-23 charges have to make sure they get a positive result in Congo after failing to capitalise on home ground advantage in the first leg having played to a 1-1 draw last week.

The SA Under-23 team had to fight their way back into the game after letting the visitors take the lead, only to find the equaliser late in the second half through Thapelo Maseko.

“Our travel plans worked out very well. The team got to rest and the flight was not bad in terms of travel times. The accommodation is fantastic and one must compliment the embassy and federation in terms of the co-ordination between the two entities in making sure we have the best possible accommodation,” said Notoane.

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“We had our first session in Congo (Saturday) and unfortunately we could not access the main stadium as per the rules that we are allowed two days on Astro turf. We got an alternative venue which was below standard, but we managed to have 45 minutes of training there and the boys are looking sharp, refreshed and I am happy with that.”

After looking at how things went in the first leg which his side could have easily won, Notoane says they have studied their opponents and know how to overcome them.

“We have done a lot of video analysis in terms of areas of improvement,” he added.