Mokoena may now miss Games
SOUTH African Under-23 talisman Teboho Mokoena has described the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics as a “huge disappointment” but admits it is important to put the health of everyone first.
A dark cloud has engulfed our lives after the coronavirus outbreak.
In one of the ways to reduce its spread, there’s been a suspension of large gatherings and in South Africa as from midnight tonight until April 16 there will be a national lockdown.
The pandemic has seen the cancellation or postponement of major events for the better part of the year. The Olympic Games, which were set to be hosted in Japan in July and August, have been rescheduled for 2021.
The South African Under-23 team, together with Egypt and the Ivory Coast, were the three teams that were supposed to be Africa’s flag bearers in the global showpiece.
“I am disappointed but health should always come first,” Mokoena said yesterday.
“It’s a major blow, not only for soccer but for all sporting codes, because the deadly virus is spreading and seemingly uncontrollable at the moment. So there’s nothing we can do but think about the health of everyone.”
The postponement of the Games can be a double-edged sword for athletes. It could help extend the time of preparations for some, while the time that has elapsed could affect those who play for sporting codes in which there age restrictions.
By the time the Olympics commence next year, Mokoena will be 24 years of age. That would mean he can only be selected for the global showpiece squad as one of three over-age players due to tournament restrictions.
The new arrangements are set to give coach David Notoane a selection headache, especially having already selected a 78-man provisional squad including experienced campaigners who were competing for the three over-age spots and U23 players who played in the Afcon in Egypt last year.
Mokoena was part of that golden generation in the Land of the Pharaohs. His notable contribution gave the South Africans their only three points of the group stage round robin after scoring a direct free-kick in the second game against Ivory Coast.
“It’s really going to be tough to break into the team. But it’s really up to the coach to make a decision on the final squad, so I am just going to continue with whatever I’ve been doing at my club,” said Mokoena.
The SuperSport United midfielder is one of the anchors of the Pretoriabased side. His rise to prominence has been a marvel to watch this season and it was only right that he was rewarded with a four-year contract extension for his efforts by SuperSport.
Having been tipped as the future of Matsantsantsa a Pitori, Mokoena is expected to take his game up a notch next season as he’s set to succeed outgoing captain Dean Furman, who’s been a pillar of strength for the team in the last couple of years.
Just like most of his teammates, Mokoena is sad to see Furman, who’s returning to the United Kingdom to reunite with his family, leave, but he’s accepted the responsibility and the journey that lies ahead.
“It means a lot to be entrusted with Dean’s role. It shows just how hard I’ve been working on and off the pitch. I won’t stop now, I’ll keep on pushing harder,” Mokoena said.