So, the date is fast approaching. Our boys are off to Rio to take on a mammoth task. The Olympics in the jungle, and we face off against the jungle masters, the Samba Boys… Mighty Brazil! South Africans seem upbeat, though, and there appears to be some hope that our youngsters can go out there and get the job done; after all, it has been done before.
The last time South Africa and Brazil faced off in the Olympics, the boys from Mzansi walked away 3-1 winners against a Brazil team that featured stars such as Ronaldinho, and the supporters certainly seem to think this feat can be replicated.
"Truly speaking, it won't be easy, but if they can stick to their game plan and not lose focus, they can do it." – Salocin Iminald
"I trust the U23s more than Bafana. They know how to score goals." – AobakweLekoma
However, some supporters are concerned that the team will be without some of our most promising young talent, shining stars such as Phakamani Mahlambi.
One of our other supporters, Papa-Ona, thinks the biggest obstacle may come from an unexpected source.
"The only serious threat in this group is Denmark… Their rude, long, high balls will pose a very serious problem for our defenders," he said.
When discussing Iraq, Papa-Ona also warned against writing them off as a "developing" football nation
"It is no fluke that they qualified," he added.
"Brazil, we will match pound for pound… Although the support factor favours them," he concluded.
What are our chances against Brazil at the Olympics? Is our team still strong enough, despite the absence of Mahlambi?
