Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo has urged South Africa to learn from Egypt’s approach of empowering and ensuring the success of their goalkeepers.
This is at the back of growing concerns from several legends and recently, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, over the future of goalkeepers in SA.
During the previous Betway Premiership season, the 16 teams prioritised nine foreign goalkeepers, resulting in a reduction of game time for many local goalkeepers.
Mhlongo, who was speaking to Sunday World during the Heineken UEFA Champions League final event at the Goldrush Dome in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg, emphasised the importance of giving first preference to local goalkeepers, especially in the Premier League.
Egypt produces legendary goalkeepers
“As far as the goalkeeping department is concerned in South Africa, I would wish that we take a leaf from the Egyptians in the sense that in the Egyptian league, it is mandatory that goalkeepers in most of the teams be local,” Mhlongo said.
“When you look at their history, they have been producing some of the best and legendary goalkeepers, such as Essam El-Hadary, Sherif Ekramy, Mohamed El Shenawy, and Ahmed El Shenawy from Pyramids FC.
“All these guys come from a set-up where they were given the opportunity to flourish and grow. Unfortunately, in the goalkeeping department, you can only grow by playing regularly and getting experience.”
Mhlongo continued: “So, I think we, as South Africans, should consider doing the same because I do not think we have a goalkeeping crisis; we are blessed in abundance.
“The only problem we have is that we produce, but it takes us very long to introduce. We don’t give our young goalkeepers enough opportunities to trust the process.”
Praise for Afcon winner Fletcher Lowe
Mhlongo praised SA U20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) winner Fletcher Lowe while also addressing the issue of goalkeepers not receiving enough game time.
“We saw a young Fletcher at the Afcon; he is a brilliant goalkeeper and did very well. You also look at the Chan squad; we have a Mondli Mpoto, who is also a brilliant goalkeeper but is unattached,” said Mhlongo.
“We also have Samkelo [Xulu] at SuperSport United, but he is not getting game time. Reyaad Pieterse and Jody February are currently not playing and are missing opportunities to showcase their skills.”
Mhlongo continued, “Fortunately, Renaldo Leaner seized his opportunity at Sekhukhune United and is now a member of the national team.”
“So, with that being said, let us trust the process and our goalkeepers, and then you will see we will go places and continue producing the best goalkeepers.”
