Pretoria - Amaglug-glug, the South African under-23 team, will play a preparatory match for the upcoming All Africa Games (AAG) against Namibia at Independence Stadium in Windhoek on Wednesday.
The AAG tournament will be staged in Maputo, Mozambique, from 3 - 18 September, for which the Shakes Mashaba-led squad has qualified.
South Africa has already been drawn in Group A alongside Libya, Madagascar and hosts Mozambique for the tournament.
The friendly against Namibia is set within the FIFA calendar date, giving the head coach an opportunity to work with his players leading to the CAF tournament in September.
Namibia has failed to qualify for the AAG competition, but the South Africans are aware that they won't be pushovers.
"We are happy that we were able to secure opponents so we can keep the boys busy and prepare thoroughly. It would have been even better to play one of the nations that have qualified. Be that as it may, Namibia has never disappointed. They always put up a fight and we are expecting a fight," said Mashaba.
According to the coach, the encounter against neighbouring Namibia should be an interesting one.
"With the All Africa Games just around the corner, this will be a good exercise for the whole team. We are taking this tournament very seriously because like I have said previously, to conquer the world, we need to start in our region. For now, we are going to Namibia for a win as we need to get into the habit of winning, and once you have it, you don't want to stop," he said.
Amaglug-glug, who assembled at the camp on Sunday, will depart for Namibia on Monday. Kick-off is at 7pm. The South Africans will return home on Thursday morning.
The selected players for the friendly match are goalkeepers Boalefa Pule and Brilliant Khuzwayo. The defenders are Siyabonga Zulu, Sibusiso Mxoyana, Eric Mulomo wa Ndau Mathoho, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Doctor Mampuru, Wandisile Letlabika, Ramahlele Mphahlele and Gladwin Shitolo.
The midfielders are Thandani Ntshumayelo, Thabang Motau, Mlungisi Mbujana, Bongolethu Jayiya, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Sameehg Doutie, Themba Zwane, Mandla Masango, Kamohelo Makotjo and Sici Shilembe.
Phumelele Bhengu and Wish Ntombela are the strikers.
