Bafana Bafana
Bafana players in the mix
2011-10-22 16:14
Johannesburg - The South African under-23 soccer side will be able to select players from the Bafana Bafana senior side, ahead of their preparations for the Eight Nations Tournament in Morocco over November and December.
Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane said he hoped the selection of his eligible players would help Shakes Mashaba's under-23 side qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
South Africa has been drawn in Group A with Egypt, Gabon and Ivory Coast. Group B comprises hosts Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Algeria.
The top three countries automatically qualify for the Olympics, while the fourth placed team will go into a play-off against an Asian country for the other remaining ticket.
"We would like to see the Under 23 team qualify for the London Olympic Games and also do well there, hence we are offering our support," said Mosimane.
With Bafana scheduled to play in a friendly match during the Nelson Mandela Challenge next month, Mosimane will not select players that could be used by Mashaba.
"Once we have received the list of players Mashaba intends to use for his preparations and in Morocco, we will not select those players. This is the co-operation that is needed between all the national teams as we are working towards a common goal of seeing South Africa be among the greats in the world."
Mashaba said he was pleased to be in the position to select the strongest possible side.
"We believe this move will help our course a great deal. The tournament is getting closer and we are humbled by the action of Pitso and his team," he said.