Should Itumeleng Khune and Erick Mathoho be part of the South African Under-23 squad for the Rio Olympics?
There has been an outcry in some quarters, most notably by Benni McCarthy, Matthew Booth – both members of the 2000 Sydney Olympics squad – and Moeneeb Josephs about the inclusion of Kaizer Chiefs stars Khune and Mathoho as the two over-aged players in Brazil.
Coach Owen da Gama did try to pick Belgian-based midfielder Andile Jali as well, but his club KV Oostende refused to release him, as clubs are not obligated to do so for the Olympics.
But while those reservations about the selection of Khune and Mathoho may have been justified on the surface – so that a squad of actual Under-23s are selected – a closer look at the SA team’s shortcomings provides insight into Da Gama’s thinking.
There is more than enough ammunition in attack – Keagan Dolly is the spearhead, with support from the likes of Gift Motupa, Menzi Masuka, Lebogang Mothiba and Phumlani Ntshangase, while new striker Tyrone Sandows, who is based in Brazil, would want to make an impression for the land of his berth.
But the biggest problem during the Under-23 African Cup of Nations in Senegal late last year – which served as the Olympic qualifying tournament for the continent – showed up serious issues in the South African defence.
Da Gama’s squad conceded seven goals, the most in the eight-team tournament, and it was only the heroics of goalkeeper Jody February in the third-place playoff that won them a place in the Olympics. February saved a penalty in regulation time against hosts Senegal, which ended 0-0 after extra time, and three more in the penalty shoot-out to become an instant national hero.
But the lack of organisation at the back led to a number of errors, none more so than between Kwanda Mngonyama and Rivaldo Coetzee in central defence. The team cannot afford to concede silly goals, with both Mngonyama and to a lesser extent Coetzee guilty of ball-watching.
That is why it was critical to get 26-year-old Bafana Bafana hardman Mathoho – who has 26 international caps – involved in Brazil. “Tower” showed what a commanding presence he can be once more when he was the stand-out player for Kaizer Chiefs in their 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in the Carling Champion Cup at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic defender was excellent in the air, cleared the ball off the line to save Chiefs and even opened the scoring with a well-taken volley off a rebound from Bernard Parker’s crossbar-rattling pile-driver.
Khune was also in good touch, making a few smart saves and proving that he is totally over an ankle niggle that saw him limp off during a SA Under-23 training game against Wits recently.
Mathoho can provide that leadership and physical edge which were clearly lacking during the Olympic qualifying tournament, with Da Gama stripping Mngonyama of the captaincy and Dolly taking over during the event.
And while February is an outstanding shot-stopper, can he command the penalty area and communicate with his backline? The 29-year-old Khune is known for having a strong voice and urging on his defence during his 75 appearances for Bafana, while his distribution is top-class.
He could give the Ajax Cape Town youngster February a few tips in that regard, but the dilemma facing Da Gama ahead of Thursday’s Olympic opener against Brazil (9pm SA time) is the fact that Khune and Mathoho will only arrive in Brasilia on Wednesday after they played for the Amakhosi on Saturday.
Is that enough time for them to be ready to stop Neymar and Co or to provide a few pointers to February and Coetzee?
Mathoho is a must if SA Under-23 want to hold out Neymar, but February does have a strong case to start ahead of Khune. Let’s see which way Da Gama goes…
@ashfakmohamed
SA Under-23 Olympic Squad
Goalkeepers: Jody February, Itumeleng Khune
Defenders: Kwanda Mngonyama, Rivaldo Coetzee, Abbubaker Mobara, Mothobi Mvala, Erick Mathoho, Tebogo Moerane, Tercious Malepe
Midfielders: Gift Motupa, Maphosa Modiba, Deolin Mekoa, Phumlani Ntshangase, Keagan Dolly
Strikers: Tyroane Sandows, Lebogang Mothiba, Menzi Masuka, Tashreeq Morris