Owen da Gama says those who assume that Itumeleng Khune will captain the SA under-23 side at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio next month are getting ahead of themselves. Khune is one of the two overage players Da Gama added to the squad last week and given the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper’s experience at international level‚ many observers have assumed that he’ll be awarded the armband in Rio.But Da Gama dismissed the assumption and insisted that he has several other options at his disposal and none of them involve Khune.‘‘The possibilities are Keagan Dolly... Rivaldo Coetzee was the captain in the Cosafa Cup when we won the tournament last month."Kwanda Mngonyama has been the captain too‚ so that’s something we will sit down and discuss with the technical team before we depart for Rio‚” Da Gama said. But despite his protestations‚ the under-23 coach conceded that Khune has a huge role to play in the Junior Bafana side and his experience will be priceless in Brazil.‘‘We sat down with Itu (Khune) for almost a day after he joined the camp with Mulomowandau Mathoho (the other overage player)."In fact‚ he came up with the suggestion (of assuming a leadership role as an overage player in the squad) and he said ’coach I must go and show these boys. I must show them what respect is about. I must be a role model tor them and lead by example.’‘‘So it is easy to have players like Khune who are natural leaders. Mathoho is a bit quiet but still‚ he respects each and every player‚ which is very important for us.” Khune is one of the most decorated players in SA and played for Bafana in the 2009 Confederations Cup‚ 2010 World Cup and in the 2013 African Nations Cup‚ among other events.Da Gama is hoping this experience rubs off on his players and while the coach argues otherwise‚ only a reckless gambler would bet against Khune starting in SA’s opening Olympic Games match against hosts Brazil next month.Da Gama himself conceded that he will rely heavily on Khune and Mathoho — who are also senior Bafana Bafana players — in the global showpiece.‘‘We will be looking at their leadership qualities‚ being role models‚ setting the example on the field and showing the boys how its done at the highest level‘‘We have seen at senior national team level that Khune controls (the play) quite well from the back. So he will be the most dominant guy there‚ the most prominent controller from the back."You have seen that Jody (February) also does this quite well. We are also hoping that players like (goalkeeper Nkosingiphile) Gumede and Jody can learn from Itu. So it is all about the bigger picture for these boys.” Rising star Dolly is expected to join the under-23 squad on Wednesday after playing yet another starring role for his club Mamelodi Sundowns against Zamalek in the African Champions League in Egypt on Sunday night.Striker Lebogang Mothiba will join the side on July 27 after his French Ligue 1 side Lille gave him permission to represent SA in the Olympic Games.The SA under-23 side depart for Brazil on Saturday. - TMG Digital..