South Africa’s under-23 men’s football team failed to emerge from the group stages at the Olympic Games in Rio, drawing twice and losing once.
Here is how Mazola Molefe rated them individually.
Itumeleng Khune 8/10
His inclusion invited criticism from several pundits and even fellow PSL counterparts, but Khune - one of two over-aged players in the side - showed his worth. In all three group matches against hosts Brazil (0-0), Denmark (1-0 defeat) and Iraq (1-1), theKaizer Chiefs keeper played a big role in either keeping a clean sheet or making the scoreline respectable.
Mulomowandau Mathoho 5/10
The other over-aged player, he brought experience to the back four and steadied a defence that was shaky throughout the qualification process. He ensured the rearguard was not found wanting in the opener against Brazil, struggled somewhat in the loss to Denmark and then missed the final match through injury.
Rivaldo Coetzee 4/10
Did not cover himself in glory against Iraq, with the defence he was expected to marshal - in Mathoho's absence - falling apart. Does deserve some credit for improving his game alongside Mathoho in the first two matches.
Abbubaker Mobara 4/10
Will be remembered for neutralising Neymar. He hardly gave the Brazil superstar space to breathe, so much that the two had to be separated before coming into blows sometime during the goalless draw. His contribution in the other two games did not stand out.
Tebogo Moerane 1/10
Only played in the second match against Denmark, substituted at half-time.
Kwanda Mngonyama 1/10
He too was brought on against Denmark as a replacement for Mothobi Mvala. Didn't last all match, looked out of sorts and overwhelmed in a midfield role he is no stranger to.
Tercious Malepe 1/10
Replaced Mathoho in the final group game and never looked comfortable. The stage seemed too big for the player who had shown great potential in the Cosafa Cup triumph.
Mothobi Mvala 2/10
Sent off just before the hour mark against Brazil, he forced his teammates to retreat and defend when they could have produced an upset in the opening match. Mvala was brought back for the final game against Iraq and was again cautioned in the first half.
Deolin Mekoa 3/10
He was robbed of fulfilling his true potential by being played out of position and not in his natural left wing berth. Due to that tactical error, he was more of a liability than an asset.
Aubrey Modiba 3/10
Good going forward, he delivered some timely crosses in an attempt to find heads in the box, but often to no avail. Played left-back against Brazil but was taken off on 70 minutes.
Phumlani Ntshangase 2/10
With his experience, the Wits anchorman should have had more than just the two cameos off the bench and the start in the last game.
Keagan Dolly 7/10
He couldn’t do it all on his own. While Khune made sure he kept the ball from going into the net, Dolly tried to carry the hopes of this young side upfront. He took the initiative, unleashing long range shots and being a serious livewire. But in the end it wasn’t enough. It won’t be a surprise if he scores an overseas move following his performances in Rio.
Gift Motupa 5/10
He scored SA’s only goal in the 1-1 draw against Iraq and also hit the crossbar in the loss to Denmark. Found space behind defenders but didn't use it well.
Menzi Masuku 2/10
A big disappointment, he never looked like the match-winner he was during the qualification phase. Seemed preoccupied against Brazil and Iraq when he started the matches.
Lebogang Mothiba 2/10
Fresh from signing a senior contract with Lille in France, he was expected to play with much more intensity but didn't. Fell ill after the first two matches and missed the final match.
Tashreeq Morris 2/10
Came off the bench in all three matches and if the idea was to use him as an impact player, then it failed spectacularly. He just didn’t seem to have anything to offer when called on.
Andile Fikizolo 2/10
Responsible for setting up Motupa for the goal against Iraq. Had impressive pace about him but faded and was taken off after an hour. Should have started ahead of Morris.
Thabiso Kutumela
The new Orlando Pirates forward hardly made an impact when brought on in the 59th minute against Iraq for the ineffective Masuku.
Did not play
Jody February, Nkosinathi Gumede, Tyroane Sandowns and Thapelo Morena
The Star