The South African men’s soccer team lost 1-0 against Japan on July 22, 2021 in Tokyo for their first match in the Olympics. Olympics that the South Africans could not prepare calmly after the fall of Covid-19 in their delegation.
From our special correspondent in Tokyo,
In recent days, the South African delegation to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo has not stood up as hoped. The coach of his rugby youth team has tested positive for Covid-19, as well as two players (Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi) and a staff member of the men’s soccer team (Amaglug-glug). Results? A concern in Japan before the inauguration of these Olympics and Amaglug-glug placed in quarantine.
No wonder in these circumstances that the South African selection lost 1-0 against their Japanese counterpart on July 22 in Group A of the Olympic tournament. “We can not use that as an excuse,” said his captain, defender Repo Malepe. As you can see, the guys gave their all on the pitch against Japan, despite the circumstances. I, I think we were effective after all ”.
A feeling shared by midfielder Thabo Cele: “We fought well. It was not an easy game. Japan has a good team. We have tried everything. In any case, I see positive points in this meeting. “
“This situation is anything but natural”
South African coach David Notoane also relativizes this setback, which is harmful for the rest of the competition. “Given the circumstances, I’m proud of my players,” he said. They worked hard. I said it would be a fight against the Japanese and it was a fucking fight against a very well prepared team “.
For the next meeting in front of a team of France who lost 4-1 to MexicoDavid Notoane hopes that the climate around his team will be less harsh. “This situation is really anything but natural,” he regrets. You are in your accommodation all the time. You can only eat, sleep and exercise. You are isolated. But today we have seen sports with contacts. In addition, we are tested daily. So I hope the players now have the opportunity to go out a bit. They need to clear the mind more ”.
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