Quinton Fortune is hopeful that South Africa’s U23 side can take advantage of the pressure on Brazil to win Rio 2016.

The former Bafana Bafana star was part of the South African side that famously downed the illustrious Brazilians in the Sydney Games back in 2ooo.

‘They had a very good team, and I think a lot of people were surprised that we ended up beating them,’ Fortune told Fifa as he recalled the event.

‘To be honest, we were surprised as well, because it was Brazil! It was good to test ourselves against some of the best in the world.’

16 years on and Fortune is hopeful the present day South Africa squad can repeat the class of 2000’s heroics. The former Manchester United star pointed out that Brazil’s hosting of the tournament could, in fact, count in South Africa’s favour.

‘The pressure is on Brazil,’ Fortune said. ‘You saw the last World Cup, the amount of pressure that was on the national team. I would just tell [the South African team] to enjoy every moment.

‘You saw the last World Cup, the amount of pressure that was on the national team. I would just tell [the South African team] to enjoy every moment.

‘Of course they want to get a good result. Win, first of all, but if not, at least get a draw. You need to be well-organised.’

South Africa face Brazil in their opening game of the tournament on Thursday.

The match kicks off at 09:00 SA time at the Mane Garrincha Stadium, Brasilia.