Bafana are just one game away from claiming the Cosafa Cup and Masuku is hopeful his side can ‘achieve the impossible’ by going all the way at Rio 2016.

Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba had specifically selected a predominantly U23 side for the regional compeition to help with preparation for the global showpiece.

‘I believe that the Cosafa Cup is very good for our region,’ Masuku told Safa.net. ‘And as our coaches have been saying, if you want to conquer the world start in your backyard – so this is a starting point for us.

‘This tournament has produced a lot of stars over the years, and the good thing is that we are using it to prepare for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The matches we have played so far have also assisted the technical team to see where we still need improvement as we get closer to the Olympics.’

The Orlando Pirates midfielder is well aware he is not guaranteed a spot on the plane to Brazil and is eager to continue impressing.

‘First of all I need to be selected for the final team that is going to Rio. But I am really looking forward to being part of the experience because the Olympic Games are the biggest sporting spectacle in the world – and for that reason I will work as hard as I can to ensure I book my plane ticket to Rio, and not take anything for granted.

I believe that if we stay focused, work as a team and dream big, we can achieve the impossible,’ he added.

Bafana face Botswana at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 18:30.

Photo: Safa.net