SA under-23s to work on mental fitness’
OWEN da Gama is pleased with the first few days of his side ’ s camp in preparation for the Under-23 Cup of Nations starting in Senegal later this month.
After a minor hiccup with the late arrival of six players due to logistical issues, Da Gama has been without just one of his intended squad members after 18-year-old striker Phakamani Mahlambi was released to write exams this week.
Mahlambi will link up with the group on the final day of the camp on Saturday morning.
Following a fine 2-0 victory over the Tanzanian senior side in a friendly on Tuesday, the players were yesterday taken through a mental examination by former national team striker Shaun Bartlett, who is assisting Da Gama.
“We are putting a lot of emphasis on the mental side of the game because we feel that will be a challenge for us in Senegal.
“Shaun has been taking them through that and has done an excellent job,” Da Gama said.
“We have seen with the Under-17s who went to the World Cup, the Under-20s in their African Youth Championships and with Banyana Banyana just how vital mental preparation is and how important it is to be mentally strong.”
The squad has also been working with Quinton Tovey, nephew of Safa technical director Neil and a former professional with Manning Rangers and Hellenic, who is an expert in reflexology – an alternative treatment involving hands and feet.
“He is a really special guy,” Da Gama said. “He is a sports massage specialist, reflexologist and also a expert in martial arts, so when it comes to body movement he is top-notch.”
The group will continue to work on setpieces and tactical aspects of their training in the next few days, before they take on Mamelodi Sundowns in another friendly game to close the camp on Saturday.
SA play hosts Senegal in the Under-23 Cup of Nations opener on November 28, before a meeting with Zambia on December 1. Their final Group A game is against north African side Tunisia three days later.