Bafana players available for under-23

The South African under-23 soccer side will be able to select players from the Bafana Bafana senior side, ahead of their preparations for the Eight Nations Tournament in Morocco over November and December. Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane said he hoped the selection of his eligible players would help Shakes Mashaba's under-23 side qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games. South Africa has been drawn in Group A with Egypt, Gabon and Ivory Coast. Group B comprises hosts Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Algeria. The top three countries automatically qualify for the Olympics, while the fourth placed team will go into a play-off against an Asian country for the other remaining ticket. "We would like to see the Under 23 team qualify for the London Olympic Games and also do well there, hence we are offering our support," said Mosimane. With Bafana scheduled to play in a friendly match during the Nelson Mandela Challenge next month, Mosimane will not select players that could be used by Mashaba.