The former Bafana Bafana international was part of the very first South African team to participate in the Olympics, scoring in the memorable 3-1 victory over Brazil at the 2000 Sydney Games – a match he still fondly remembers.
“They had a very good team, and I think a lot of people were surprised that we ended up beating them,” Fortune told Fifa as he reminisced over the victory. “To be honest, we were surprised as well, because it was Brazil! It was good to test ourselves against some of the best in the world.”
The former Manchester United man hopes his young compatriots can emulate this result in their opening game against the Selecao in their own back yard, hoping the pressure will get to the host nation which will allow the South Africans to break through.
“The pressure is on Brazil,” Fortune said. “You saw the last World Cup, the amount of pressure that was on the national team. I would just tell [the South African team] to enjoy every moment. Of course they want to get a good result. Win, first of all, but if not, at least get a draw. You need to be well-organised.”
Fortune then tipped who he feels will shine in the South African side.
“Rivaldo Coetzee from Ajax Cape Town is a strong central defender, Keagan Dolly, who’s at Mamelodi Sundowns, is a good midfielder and Phumlani Ntshangase is also a talented player - these are players who should be making a difference,” he said.
South Africa’s Olympic match-up against the hoists kicks off at 9pm South African time on Thursday evening.
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