CAPE Town City star Gift Links is hoping to make a big impression with the South Africa national Under-23 team.
The 20-year-old is part of David Notoane’s 23-man squad that will take on Angola in the first leg, first round 2019 Caf U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier.
The game takes place at the Estádio 11 de November in Luanda, Angola this afternoon at 5pm (SA time).
Links, who is having a stellar season with the Citizens, is eager to impress in national team colours. He has scored four times in 21 league appearances for Benni McCarthy’s charges – a run of form that has seen him earn a call-up to Notoane’s first Under-23 squad.
Links was also previously called up into the Bafana Bafana setup for the back-to-back Afcon qualifiers against Seychelles in October last year.
He made his debut for the senior team during the 2018 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Cup.
The youngster from the North West is now hoping to impress in the SA Olympic team, as he pushes for a return to the senior national team.
“I have confidence in my abilities and I know I can contribute a lot to this team,” said Links
“It is always an honour to represent your country at any level, so I’m looking forward to the game and to do my best for my country.
“We have been preparing well. I feel we are ready for this match and with the talent we have in this team, I believe we can make it to Tokyo.
“But we have to take baby steps and take each game as it comes. Our focus is on these two games against Angola, for now.
The team landed in Luanda on Wednesday with Notoane’s strategy being to get in, play the game, and get out.
The return leg will be played at Bidvest Stadium in Milpark on Tuesday (7pm), and Notoane’s charges will hope to head into that game with a first leg advantage.
“We need to get away goals and make sure that we make things simpler for us at home,” added Links.
“We know that expectations are high, so we have to deliver by any means.”
Should they see off their Southern African neighbours, South Africa will face either Zimbabwe or eSwatini/Mozambique in the second round for a berth at the Caf 8-Nations tournament set to take place in Egypt later this year.
