Mzansi Footballers Abroad

Why Bafana Bafana call-up is not on Jethren Barr’s mind

Former junior national team goalkeeper Jethren Barr has explained why a Bafana Bafana call-up is not on his mind.

Barr says he has too many things to worry about than think about a national team call-up with his team Portadown in Ireland enduring a poor run of form in the league.

The former Maritzburg United goalminder is in his second season in Europe, and his side Portadown has started the new campaign on a bad note.

Barr’s team are rooted at the bottom of the log standings in the NIFL Premiership, which is the second division in Ireland.

WORK IN PROGRESS

However, the goalie says it is a work in progress as the club welcomed several new players.

Jethren Barr in action for Portadown in Ireland
Jethren Barr in action for Portadown in Ireland

“My second season is a work in progress, the team brought in 15 players, and in the first eight games of the season, I have produced some good performances,” Barr told FARPost.

“My work is it cut out for me, but hopefully, I will improve as the season goes, as we trying to gel.”

Barr, who is eager to attract interest from England or Scotland, admitted that he also wants to wear the Bafana jersey even though he is not thinking too much about it at this moment in his career.

He maintains that his focus is to do better in Europe, as good performances will eventually result in a national team call-up.

“Every South African wants to represent Bafana Bafana, but for now, it is not to close in my mind,” added Barr.

“I’m trying to do well here in Europe, and maybe it will be enough to convince someone to have a look at me in the national team.

“I have not had any contact with anyone from the national team; all I can do is to keep working hard.

“Then maybe there will be someone that will look at me. For now, I am not putting myself under pressure to be in the national team” 

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