“By following the rules, we can ensure our athletes’ safety” says JOC

The detection of a number of 'close contacts' in the South African men's football team caused alarm amongst their first opponents, hosts Japan, when the football competition kicks off at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

However, the Japan Olympic Committee struck a reasonably confident note at a press conference on Tuesday, two days ahead of the match, saying "following the rules" will keep the team safe.

Japan's men's Olympic football team will open its Group A campaign on July 22 against South Africa.

Concerns were raised after 21 close contacts were confirmed from South African men's soccer team after two of their players and a team video analyst tested positive for coronavirus.

Although Japan's contingent at the 'home Olympics' stands at 1058 members, including 582 athletes and 476 officials, the Japanese Olympic Committee maintained their target as 30 gold medals.