The South African Football Association (Safa) has confirmed that five players have been released from the Olympic squad due to various medical reasons.

The South African U23 final squad for the tournament was confirmed last week following the announcement by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, which kicks off later this month.

The likes of Lyle Foster, Fagrie Lakay, Abbubaker Mobara, Sipho Mbule and Keletso Makgalwa have withdrawn from the squad.

Safa has since confirmed that their replacements will be announced in due course.

“South Africa U23 Olympic Team has suffered a huge blow following the withdrawal of five players due to various medical reasons,” Safa said in a statement.

“The changes in the camp comes a week after SASCOC announced the final U23 Men’s Olympic squad for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympic Games to take place from 22 July to 8 August 2021.

“South Africa is in Group A together with hosts Japan who they play on 22 July at the Tokyo Stadium and France who they meet at Saitama Stadium on 25 July. The U23s will then round off their group-stage matches against Mexico at the Sapporo Dome on 28 July.

“Players released from camp are: Lyle Foster, Fagrie Lakay, Abbubaker Mobara, Sipho Mbule and Keletso Makgalwa [standby player].

“Coach David Notoane will announce replacements soon.”