Owen Da Gama is bullish ahead of his South Africa U23 side’s bid for Olympic glory at Rio 2016.

The Amajita squad has been bolstered by the addition of Itumeleng Khune and Erick Mathoho as its two over-aged players and Da Gama is confident in the capabilities of the players at his disposal.

‘The technical team is very pleased with the balance in the squad, and the fact that we have five or six versatile players makes the squad stronger,’ Da Gama told SuperSport.

‘We felt it necessary to limit the number of over-age players, just so that we could make provision for another U23 player.’

The coach admitted it was tough narrowing down the slots for his side.

‘We would like to thank the association, the league and everyone who assisted us in putting together what we believe is a formidable team that will hold its own and represent South Africa well in Brazil.

It was not an easy decision to make but we had to finally come up with a team that we believe will make us proud,’ he concluded.

South Africa has been drawn in Group A alongside the likes of hosts Brazil, as well as Iraq and Denmark.

SA U23 fixtures:

Thursday, August 4
Brazil v South Africa
Mane Garrincha Stadium, Brasilia
Kick-off: 21:00

Monday, August 8
Denmark v South Africa
Mane Garrincha Stadium, Brasilia
Kick-off: 02:00

Thursday, August 11
South Africa v Iraq
Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo
Kick-off: 03:00