All taking shape for Da Gama’s U23s side

NATIONAL U23 coach Owen da Gama might not be entirely satisfied with his side’s preparations ahead of the Caf U23 Championship in Senegal, but he has been encouraged by the amount of game time most of his key players are getting in the Absa Premiership.

Da Gama is set to announce his 21-man squad for the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics, at Safa House on Thursday. The former Platinum Stars coach is not going to make too many changes to the squad that qualified for the eight nation competition.

The likes of Keagan Dolly, Kwanda Mngonyama, Abbubaker Mobara and Riyaad Norodien have been getting regular game time at club level, which gives Da Gama reason to believe his side will be ready to compete at the competition.

Thabiso Kutumela of Baroka FC, who is the top scorer in the National First Division with 10 goals in 11 matches, could make the cut. Phakamani Mahlambi of Bidvest Wits is another player that cannot be ruled out of making the final squad, despite not being part of the team that secured qualification.

“It’s been very difficult trying to finalise the final squad. There are so many quality players. We have to go with experience and the players that have brought us here. Hopefully we won’t have injuries,” said Da Gama.

The U23s played two friendly matches last week, beating the Tanzanian senior national team 2-0 before losing 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns at the weekend. They will not have any more matches before their opening match at the championship against Senegal on November 28.

“What we tried to do during our camp is get the players mentally prepared for what’s coming up. We are a good footballing nation, but we just need to get it right on the mental side of things.”