{
  "id": 19637158,
  "title": "SA U23 coach Mdaka wary of ‘closed book’ Madagascar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/sa-u23-coach-mdaka-wary-of-closed-book-madagascar",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T10:13:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/sa-u23-coach-mdaka-wary-of-closed-book-madagascar/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South African U23 men's national team coach Raymond Mdaka expressed uncertainty about Madagascar ahead of their upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers. Mdaka described Madagascar as a \"closed book\" and struggled to find information about their opponents. The coach noted that even senior Bafana Bafana analysts were unable to uncover any details about Madagascar, as the team had not participated in the 2024 COSAFA tournament. Mdaka emphasized that the technical team and coaches would find a way to prepare despite the lack of information. The match between South Africa and Madagascar will take place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday and Tuesday. Mdaka confirmed that the team will aim to qualify for the Olympics, highlighting the opportunity as potentially once-in-a-lifetime for the players. Mdaka retained most of the players from the friendly matches against Algeria in Bloemfontein, acknowledging the challenge of selecting the final 23. The coach noted that the team has a pool of players and will consider factors such as competence and regular playing time when making selections. The winner of the tie will secure a spot in the third round of the qualifiers, scheduled for March next year.",
  "summary": "\"Madagascar is a very closed book,\" said Mdaka.",
  "key_points": [
    "South African U23 coach Mdaka wary of Madagascar's unknowns",
    "Match scheduled for Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday and Tuesday",
    "Team aims to qualify for Olympics, a potential once-in-a-lifetime chance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}