Rio Olympics: Kaizer Chiefs Duo Included In South Africa U23 Squad

Kaizer Chiefs duo Itumeleng Khune and Erick Mathoho headline South Africa's Under-23 squad for the Rio Olympics in Brazil.


Owen da Gama included the Amakhosi pair as the over-aged players in his 18-man squad for the showpiece, which is set to kick-off early next month.

South Africa have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Brazil, Denmark and Iraq.

“The technical team is very pleased with the balance in the squad, and the fact that we have five or six versatile players makes the squad stronger. We felt it necessary to limit the number of overage players, just so that we could make provision for another u23 player,” said Da Gama.

“We would like to thank the Association, the league and everyone who assisted us in putting together what we believe is a formidable team that will hold its own and represent South Africa well in Brazil. It was not an easy decision to make but we had to finally come up with a team that we believe will make us proud.”

SA Under-23 squad:

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Jody February.

Defenders: Kwanda Mngonyama, Rivaldo Coetzee, Abbubaker Mobara, Mothobi Mvala, Erick Mathoho, Tebogo Moerane, Tercious Molepe.

Midfielders: Gift Motupa, Aubrey Modiba, Deolin Mekoa, Keagan Dolly, Phumlani Ntshangase.

Forwards: Tyroane Sandows, Lebo Mothiba, Tashreeq Morris, Menzi Masuku

Additional players: Nkosingiphile Gumede, Andile Fikizolo, Thapelo Morena, Thabiso Kutumela.

Banyana Banyana team for Rio:

Roxanne Barker, Amanda Dlamini, Andile Dlamini, Refiloe Jane, Bambanani Mbane, Mamello Makhabane, Stephanie Malherbe, Noko Matlou, Sanah Mollo, Robyn Moodaly, Linda Motlhalo, Octavia Nogwanya, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Lebohang Ramalepe, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Leandra Smeda, Janine Van Wyk, Nothando Vilakazi