The move was a precaution from the medical team with only eight days to go before the start of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Thabiso Kutumela and Phumlani Ntshangase, who are still recovering from tight hamstring muscles, along with Kwanda Mngonyama, who is also recovering from the ankle strain sustained during the 2016 Cosafa Cup, participated in a few drills during the training session before being rested.
“We were advised by the medical team to sit Morris and Mvala out of the training session just to make sure that they don’t aggravate their injuries,” head coach Owen da Gama said. “We still have a few more days to ensure that all the players are hundred percent fit before our first game.
“Kutumela, Ntshangase and Mngonyama responded very well to training, but we had to rest them after a while as they are still recuperating.
“I was very impressed with Tercious Malepe, who arrived on Tuesday night but was able to participate in the whole session without any concerns,” Da Gama added.
The South Africa Olympic team is looking to play at least one practice match ahead of their opening encounter against hosts Brazil on Thursday, 4 August.