David Notoane has reacted to what is a tough draw for his squad ahead of the Tokyo Olympics later this year.
FIFA confirmed and revealed the potential fixtures for the u/23 tournament between late July and August this year after the showpiece was rescheduled because of the pandemic.
South Africa were drawn in the same group as Japan, France and Mexico in Group A.
"Yes, we now know the identity of our opponents, and it's a tough draw, but I think a good draw if I look at the other groups," coach Notoane told the media.
"I think it is a group in which, with good preparation and application, we can get out of and go to the knockout stage. Overall I am happy with the outcome of the draw and we are happy to be playing at the base of the tournament, the Tokyo Stadium."
Just last week Notoane announced his preliminary squad of 40 players, which included seven overaged players (see gallery below), and will have to trim it down to 22.
"I think we will now have a focused preparation because we now know who the opponents are," the coach said.
