South Africa confirm starting XI vs Japan

South Africa's Under-23 side have confirmed their starting lineup for their Olympic Group A opener against Japan at the Ajinomoto Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

David Notoane's preparations got off to a rocky start after Lyle Foster, Fagrie Lakay, Abbubaker Mobara and Sipho Mbule were released from the squad due to various medical reasons.

The likes of Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi will also miss today's encounter after they tested positive for Covid-19.

South Africa have been handed a boost by the arrival of Kaizer Chiefs duo Reeve Frosler and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who joins the squad after featuring for Amakhosi in the Caf Champions League final against Al Ahly in Casablanca this past weekend.

South Africa's confirmed starting line-ups:

South Africa: Ronwen Williams, Tercious Malepe, Luke Fleurs, Thendo Mukumela, Reeve Frosler, Goodman Mosele, Teboho Mokoena, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Luther Singh, Thabo Cele, Evidence Makgopa.

Substitutions: Mondli Mpoto, Sifiso Mlungwana, McBeth Mahlangu, Kagiso Mohammed, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Kobamelo Kodisang.