Head Coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba says it’s very important for the players to have camps like these to get used to one another’s way of playing and to build one team.

“This is the beginning of a road map that we call ‘Road to London,’ we will have more camps like these going forward as we prepare for the All Africa Games next year (2011) and of course the Olympics the year after that (2012). We refer to this gathering as a mini-camp because it is not a full blown camp where we assess players physically and tactically,” said Mashaba.

Coach Mashaba adds that his technical team is working on a succession plan.

“We have tried to get many of the players who participated in the 2009 Under 20 Fifa World Cup in Egypt last year. This is part of our succession plan to address the issue of continuity in our national teams, but that does not mean that they are guaranteed a place in the team, everybody has to work hard and fight for their places. Also, our doors are not closed to other players who can add value to the team,” said the coach.

The Under 23 squad is leaving for Botswana on Friday, 30 July 2010 and is expected back in the country on Monday, 02 August 2010.

Selected Squad:

Goalkeepers: Darren Keet, Thela Ngobeni, Boalefa Pule

Defenders: Sibusiso Mxoyana, Gldwin Shitolo, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Michael Morton, Sici Shelembe, Karabo Masehela

Midfielders: Luvolwethu Mpeta, Mduduzi Nyanda, Thulani Serero, Sameehg Doutjie, Siphiwe Zulu, Bongani Theletsane, Thabiso Mofokeng

Strikers: George Maluleke, Thabo Moleko, Thulani Ngcepe, Dino Ndlovu.