Itu, Mathoho link up with Rio squad

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  • Post published:August 2, 2016

Kaizer Chiefs duo Itumeleng Khune and Eric Mathoho have arrived in Brazil to link up with the South African Olympic squad ahead of the Rio Olympic Games.

The South African side has now a full compliment of players following the arrival of the Chiefs duo of Khune and Mathoho.

The pair joined their compatriots in Brasilia on Sunday after helping Amakhosi win the pre-season Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates in the 2016 Carling Black Label Champions Cup on Saturday, reports Safa.net.

Both come into the squad as over-aged players for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper insists that he is delighted to be back with the Olympic squad after returning from club duty with Amakhosi.

Khune hopes that his experience along with Mathoho’s will help his side progress in the Olympic games.

‘It’s good to be back in the squad again after spending some time with them back home and had to remain behind due to club commitments,’ Khune said.

‘Now the focus is fully on the task ahead. As I have been saying all along I am really honoured to part of this team. I hope my presence influences the team positively, on or off the field, whether I play or not.’

‘I am also hopeful that the experience we bring with Tower (Mathoho) will assist the team greatly and help guide us to the next round and beyond. We have a very strong team and I believe together we can achieve great things.’

Mathoho went on to echo Khune’s words and went on to say that while both players might have the experience, he believes they can gain valuable experience playing at the Olympics.

‘Many players have a glittering career but never get to taste the Olympic, so being part of this team is something I will cherish for as long as I live,’ Mathoho said.

‘While Khune and I bring some experience, I believe we will also learn a lot from this group, which will help us grow as players. This is the biggest sporting spectacle in the world and I also want to write my name in the history books, so I will help contribute towards the success of the team in any way I can.’

The Olympic action begins on Thursday when hosts Brazil take on South Africa.

The match at the Mane Garrincha Stadium kicks off at 09:00 South African time.