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Cape Town - The South African under-23 national team arrived in the Japanese city of Matsumoro in Nagano on Monday and were greeted by searing temperatures hovering over 36 degree Celsius.
However, despite the exhausting traveling schedule and high temperatures, the squad remained in high spirits and ready for the Japanese challenge.
Light rains are expected for most of the week and this should come as a relief for the visitors as temperatures are likely to drop.
Owen da Gama’s charges will hold one official training session ahead of the international friendly against the Japanese Olympic Team which is set to give them a stern test having just won the 2016 COSAFA Cup.
The match will take place on Wednesday, June 29 at General Sports Stadium, Alwin in Matsumoro at 02:00 (SA time).
South Africa has been drawn into group A of the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside hosts Brazil, Iran and Denmark.
"Despite the long journey in which we have travelled almost 24 hours non-stop, the boys are in high spirits and we are all looking forward to this friendly match," said Da Gama on the official SAFAwebsite.
"The boys have played lots of football of late but they are all excited about meeting Japan in a friendly match.
"Having a demanding schedule is part of being a professional player."
