Japan thrashing will build U23 Olympic team’s mental strength, says Da Gama

The South African Under-23 team need to be mentally much stronger‚ and coach Owen da Gama hopes their tough trip to Japan to suffer a 4-1 friendly defeat helps improve that aspect of his team. A brace by Shoya Nakajima and goals from Shinya Yajima and Takuma Asano silenced Da Gama's side at Matsumotodaira Park Stadium in Matsumoto on Wednesday after Gift Motupa had put the South Africans ahead from a penalty.