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Booth backs Amaglug-glug

Cape Town - Matthew Booth insists that the national under-23 football side has the potential to once again make it to the Olympics but knows that certain changes need to take place to make that happen.

Booth captained the Amaglug-glug at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 where they famously beat Brazil 3-1 with goals from Quinton Fortune, Siyabonga Nomvethe and Steve Lekoelea.

South African legends Jabu Mahlangu and Benni McCarthy as well as global superstar, Ronadinho, took part in the game.

The reason for the success of that side was down to continuity according to Booth, something that he believes has been missing for years.

“For a footballer it is quite a unique achievement to be part of the Olympics – a once in a lifetime thing,” he told Sport24.

“We were very fortunate, we belonged to a generation where we were together for two or three years.

"So the key to our success was that we used that continuity in playing staff and coaching staff and it hasn’t been replicated since.

Owen Da Gama’s side is packed with talent and Booth believes that it will just take a bit of patience and planning to turn the tide around and build a side that can compete at any level.  

“I think if they keep this current squad together for a long time and play lots of friendlies then I think they will be successful because that’s South Africa for you – we have an abundance of talent.

"It’s just that we don’t have consistency and longevity when it comes to planning.”

Amaglug-glug take on Egypt under-23's in their first of two friendlies on Thursday as they prepare for their Olympic qualifiers.

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