FORMER Bafana Bafana and Everton star, Steven Pienaar, believes the experience of over-age players will help SA’s Under-23 team at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next month.
“Schillo”, who represented Bafana in major tournaments including the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations in his illustrious career, supports the inclusion of over-age players in the team.
Young Bafana were drawn in Group A with host nation Brazil, Iraq and Denmark.
Schillo, who was released from his contract by the English Premiership-based outfit, also offered Young Bafana advice on how to deal with nerves in their opening game against Brazil on 4 August in Rio.
Schillo said: “The future of Mzansi soccer is in good hands when you look at this U-23 team that has qualified for the Olympics.
“I don’t think they’ll be whooping boys. They just have to go out there and enjoy themselves and not be intimidated and scared at the thought of playing against Brazil.
“One or two over-age players will calm the young boys down not to make mistakes and get overwhelmed by the big occasion.”
Talking about the big occasion, the stadium will be parked with fans wearing yellow jerseys.
In his many years of playing for Bafana and in England, Schillo played in front of capacity crowds.
He said the key is to relax and not play into the hands of the intimidating fans.
Brazil have already announced their 18-men squad for the tournament. Barcelona superstar Neymar and Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa have been included as over-age players.
Schillo admitted Neymar is a world-class player, but he believes Young Bafana players can contain him if they play their normal game.
Schillo added: “Neymar is a big player and the stadium will be full with Brazilian fans. But this experience will help these players when they graduate to the senior national team in major competitions. They just have to be calm and the older players will support them. But I believe Young Bafana can qualify to the quarterfinal alongside Brazil.”
