South African Football Association (Johannesburg)
3 December 2011
The head coach of the South African Under 23 Men’s National Team Ephraim Shakes Mashaba, is satisfied with the players’ attitude and application following Friday’s (2 December) training session. The team was preparing for the make or break Group B encounter at the Marrakech Stadium against Egypt on Saturday, 3 December 2011 at 21h00 South African time. The other Group B clash is between Gabon and Cote d’ Ivoire in Tangiers, also kicking off at 21h00.
Mashaba says the team had a very good training session adding that the players were very vibrant, and, judging by the good mood, he has every reason to be optimistic ahead of Saturday evening’s showdown.
The team has also welcomed back central defender Eric “Tower” Mathoho who was rested for the Wednesday match against Gabon. Mathoho joined his team mates at training on Friday and completed the full session without any problems.
“All players are fit and we are spoiled for choice. It is now up to the players to deliver the goods on Saturday. Our training session was focused on defensive and attacking formations. I’m generally happy with what I saw at training. The players are prepared to compete and that’s the attitude you need when you play against a physical side like Egypt,” said Mashaba.
The team has expressed gratitude for the messages of support coming from South Africans.
“Those who want to be part of history must buy their flight tickets and be in Morocco on Saturday night, something big is going to happen. We received so much support from the people back home, and we have an opportunity to make them happy by qualifying for the semi finals. A win on Saturday will put us closer to London 2012 Olympics'” concluded Mashaba.
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