All systems go for Notoane’s U23s ahead of Togo clash

It’s all systems go for South Africa’s Under 23 mentor David Notoane and his troops! They gear up for Morocco’s 2023 AFCON second round qualifier against Togo.

The Amaglug-glug coach has expressed his delight to have almost all the players in camp ahead of tie.

A week ago, Notoane revealed the challenges he had to go through when selecting his squad for the AFCON qualifiers. The two matches against the West African nation fall outside of the FIFA calendar.

The 53-year-old coach had to negotiate with the PSL teams to release some of the available players. He also requested some of the ABC Motsepe League fixtures to be moved in order to accommodate them.

THE CHALLENGES NOTOANE HAD RAISED BEFORE…

“We had a lot of engagements with the PSL, clubs directly to see which players are available,” he said.

“So with PSL teams rendering certain players unavailable due to their hectic programmes, and also looking at the fact that some players will be required to honour their club commitments up until Wednesday.

However, Notoane is a happy man to have hit the ground running as they begin their Olympic journey.

NOTOANE IS A HAPPY MAN

“I am very happy to have almost everybody in camp,” said Notoane.

“We are hard at work, and we appreciate the support we have received from the clubs.

“To be honest, it has not been easy.”

Only two players were absent from the Amaglug-glug camp.

The two are TS Galaxy’s duo of Kamogelo Mahlangu and Aphelele Teto, who had to be present for the Rockets’ DStv Premiership last night against Kaizer Chiefs. The game ended in a 2-all draw at the FNB Stadium.

South Africa will play the return leg game at Orlando Stadium on the weekend of October 28-30.