South Africa's national under-23 team are set to seek alternative preparations for the upcoming Olympics following the cancellation of their trip to Japan.

The men's national under-23 side were scheduled to face Japan in a friendly internation in Kyoto to prepare for the Olympic Games set to take place in Tokyo in July.

However, SAFA have since cancelled their trip amid fears over the speading of the Coronavirus that has resulted in three confirmed deaths and over 750 confirmed infections in Japan, according to the World Health Organisation.

"South Africa has canceled a men's under-23 friendly against Japan over concerns about the current coronavirus outbreak, the Japan Football Association revealed Sunday," read a report from a Japanese publication.

"According to the JFA's technical director, Takashi Sekizuka, the South African Football Association has sent a letter of its intent to withdraw. The game between Olympic-age teams was to be played in Kyoto on March 27."

Japan were also set to face Ivory Coast in a second friendly on March 30, but the JFA have yet to receive any correspondence regarding their withrawal.

"Japan are scheduled to play another African side, Ivory Coast, on March 30, but the JFA has yet to hear from that federation regarding a possible cancellation," further read the report.

Japan's Olympic team coach Hajime Moriyasu bemoaned the decision of South Africa's withdrawal but has accepted the reality of the situation.

"We desire to play games, but we have to conform to these decisions and build up as best we can," said Moriyasu, as quoted by Kyodo News.

Attempts to reach SAFA CEO Gay Mokoean and head of communications Dominic Chimhavi proved unsuccessful at the time of publishing.