Olympic glimmer for Gordinho
Representing and playing for your country at the Olympic Games is a dream that most athletes possess.
For former Benoni High School pupil and current Kaizer Chiefs defender Lorenzo Gordinho (21), the possibility of representing South Africa at the showpiece sporting event is looking positive.
This follows his recent selection by national u-23 coach Owen da Gama’s 22-man squad, to face Brazil in an international friendly match on March 27, at Rei Pele Stadium, in Maceio.
The clash will give the South African coach and his team a taste of what to expect at the Olympic Games, in the same country, in August.
Speaking to the City Times, the defender expressed his happiness at earning his spot in the team for the friendly.
“It is an accomplishment that I have always wanted to achieve and I think it is a reward for my performances with Chiefs up to now,” he said.
“If I perform well against Brazil and continue my good performances domestically, there is a big opportunity for me to participate at the Olympics.”
Many pundits have been calling for Gordinho’s selection in coach Shakes Mashaba’s senior national side to face Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, later this month, but that was not to be at this stage.
Turning out for Bafana Bafana is still a massive dream for Gordinho and he is determined to get there by continuing to work hard with Chiefs and the u-23 team.
Looking ahead to the clash in Brazil, the Benonian said the match is going to be highly competitive and a terrific experience, that will benefit himself and the team in their preparations for the Olympics.
