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Cape Town - South African Under-23 National Team coach Owen da Gama believes that the players he has chosen is a competitive bunch.
Da Gama named a 21-man squad to travel to Senegal in order to partake in the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament that runs from November 28 to December 12, 2015.
Eight top nations will vie for three places to represent Africa at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Da Gama has kept the bulk of the team that has done duty in the last few months adding a few names to the already highly talented outfit.
“I believe this is a very competitive side we have selected,” said Da Gama.
“We have already played a number of matches together and I know what to expect from these players.
“The good thing is that these boys also want to make their mark and play in the Olympics so I am confident they will do well.
South Africa is in Group A with the hosts, as well as Zambia and Tunisia and will be based in Dakar.
The South Africans open their account with a tricky clash against the hosts, Senegal on Saturday, November 28 at the Leopold Stadium in Dakar.
“This is the match that will define our destiny. We do well here and we are on our way to the last four,” said Da Gama.
“Pressure will be on the hosts not to disappoint and we will have to take advantage of that.
“Our aim is to start well, because negative results will leave us under pressure in the remaining matches.”
South Africa’s second clash is against Zambia on Tuesday, December 1, while the last group stages match is scheduled for Saturday, December 4 at the Caroline Faye Stadium in Mbour.
