The U-23 South Africa National Team arrived at Chubu Centrair International Airport on Monday 27 June to participate in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP, which will be held in the Matsumotodaira Wide Area Park General Stadium in Nagano. Although the players seemed to be tired after the long flight, they travelled to Matsumoto in good spirits. The team will hold an open practice session in the Nagano General Sports Stadium ALWIN on Tuesday 28 before playing against the U-23 Japan National Team on Wednesday 29 June.

Coach and Players' Comments

Owen DA GAMA, Coach
I am really grateful to the Japan Football Association for giving us this excellent opportunity to play a friendly. With only a limited time before the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, we’d like improve the level of our team even more through the coming game. I also expect that we will ascertain our current level and the problems that need to be fixed. Of course, winning is best and will be a positive result for us.

Rivaldo COETZEE (Captain)
I’m honoured to be here in Matsumoto. I’m really glad to have this wonderful opportunity through football. I look forward to the match against the Japanese Olympic team.

Menzi MASUKU
I’m grateful to have an opportunity to come to Matsumoto in Japan. I’d like to perform to an extremely high standard in the match on 29 June. I’m really glad to meet our new friend, Japan.

Coach

Owen DA GAMA

Squad

GK
16   Reyaad PIETERSE (SuperSport United)
1   Nkosingiphile GUMEDE (Golden Arrows)
20   Jody FEBRUARY (Ajax Cape Town)

DF
15   Thembela SIKHAKHANE (Golden Arrows)
4   Siphesihle STUURMAN (Vasco Da Gama)
3   Tshepo RIKHOTSO (Bloemfontein Celtic)
13   Abbubaker MOBARA (Ajax Cape Town)
6   Mothiba MVALO (Highlands Park)
17   Tebogo MOERANE (Bidvest Wits)
2   Rivaldo COETZEE (Ajax Cape Town)
5   Tercious MALEPE (Orlando Pirates)

MF
18   Deolin MEKOA (Maritzburg United)
19   Thembinkosi LORCH (Orlando Pirates)
12   Paseko MAKO (Chippa United)
14   Gift MOTUPA (Orlando Pirates)
11   Maphosa MODIBA (Mpumalanga Black Aces)

FW
10   Menzi MASUKU (Orlando Pirates)
7   Thabiso KUTUMELA (Orlando Pirates)
8   Thapelo MORENA (Bloemfontein Celtic)
9   Judas MOSEAMEDI (Polokwane City)

KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2016

U-23 Japan National Team  vs  U-23 South Africa National Team
Wed. 29 June 2016 kick off 19:30 (tbd)
Nagano/General Sports Stadium ALWIN

More information