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Dakar- Ahead of their crucial Under-23 African Cup of Nations semi-final clash against Algeria, Amaglug-glug defender Rivaldo Coetzee says qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil will be a huge career booster for him and his team-mates as they aim to make history for the country.
South Africa will lock horns against the Desert Foxes at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor in Dakar on Wednesday, and a win for either side would guarantee them a place in Brazil next year.
The 19-year-old man marker believes that most of his team-mates will get a chance to market themselves in a bid to secure overseas contracts but they will be doing it not only for themselves but for the country’s interest as well.
“Everyone in the team knows how big qualifying for the Olympic Games mean to us,” said Coetzee.
“We all know what it’ll do to us, our names and our careers because it will be another stage for us to make a name for ourselves.
“It would also help us, maybe, to secure overseas contracts especially some of us who wishes to play abroad.
“And also when we go back to our respective teams, the guys who don’t get regular game times will be boosted because their technical teams will have a chance to see their capabilities and achievements at the Rio Olympics.
“So qualifying for the Rio Olympics is for ourselves and for the whole country as well.”
Kick-off for this much anticipated clash is scheduled for 20:30 (SA Time).
