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Sowetanlive - THE South African Under-23 soccer side's preparations for 2012 London Olympics moves into top gear with an international against Iran in Tehran today.

"We are trying various combinations, the plan is to assemble a razor sharp squad to be ready when the qualifiers start in March next year," said coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba.

The South Africans will start their Olympics qualifiers campaign in March with a relatively easy match against Libya on a home and away basis.

"The game against Iran will be a tough one, people must not be misled by the fact that the only thing they hear or read about with regarding to Iran is war," said Mashaba.

"The Iranians have a pretty good team and we hope to learn one or two things from them. The match is part of our preparations for the London Olympics.

"We started on a low scale but are now intensifying the preparations. One of the successes of the Class of 2000 was that they played just over 160 matches.

"We need to play a series of matches against teams from various continents to prepare these youngsters mentally.

"South Africans must rally behind the team and we promise to make them proud."

Mashaba was in charge of the Class of 2000 which included Aaron Mokoena, Benni McCarthy and Siyabonga Nomvethe. They made history by becoming the first South African soccer team to qualify for the Olympics in Sydney where they beat Brazil 3-1.

Captained by Ramahlwe Mphahlele, the current squad is out to extend their unbeaten run of six matches. They beat Botswana in two friendlies in Gaborone last month.
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