South Africa coach David Notoane has given two players the nod in the starting XI to face Mexico at the Olympic Games in Japan this afternoon.

Thendo Mukumela and Kamohelo Mahlatsi are in the starting line-up for the Group A match which will take place at Sapporo Dome.

The two players have replaced in the starting squad Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and wingback Reeve Frosler who started in the 4-3 loss to France.

South Africa have only pride to fight for in this match as they are smarting from that painful loss to France and remain winless at the tournament.

Amagluglu gave away the lead thrice before losing the game which saw Andre-Pierre Gignac’s hat-trick inspire France.

Kobamelo Kodisang, Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena, who scored in the previous match, will also play today.

South Africa are currently bottom of the table without a point having also lost 1-0 to Japan.

On the other hand, Mexico beat France 4-1 then lost to Japan 2-1.

Therefore, Mexico have the chance to top the group if they win today’s game.

In another match, France take on Japan at the International Stadium in Yokohama.

A win can also take France to the top of the pool but they need a victory with a big margin.

Starting line-ups:

South Africa: Ronwen Williams, Thendo Mukumela, Katlego Mohamme, Luke Fleurs, Tercious Malepe (c), Teboho Mokoena, Kobamelo Kodisang, Thabo Cele, Evidence Makgopa, Luther Singh, Kamohelo Mahlatsi.

Predicted Mexico XI:  Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Erick Aguirre; Rodriquez, Romo, Cordova; Lainez, Martin, Vega.

Group A Log table

               Pld Pts

Japan     2    6

Mexico  2    3

France   2     3

SA          2      0