Calvin Marlin: ‘I don’t understand why some people think like that’
Retired Bafana Bafana and PSL goalkeeper Calvin Marlin has spoken out about an aspect of South African football that puzzles him.
Marlin is a well-travelled shot-stopper in the country, having played for many different teams in the SA elite league.
During his playing days, he had stints with Ajax Cape Town [now called Cape Town Spurs], SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns and now-defunct Mpumalanga Black Aces. He helped Sundowns win the 2006/07 league title.
In addition, the 48-year-old also represented Bafana Bafana and managed to earn 12 caps.
Marlin says he doesn’t understand why some people think goalkeepers cannot win the Player of the Season accolade.
Towards the end of each season, there’s a debate about the Player of the Season, and goalkeepers are constantly overlooked. Last season, SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt said a goalkeeper cannot win the top PSL award.
CALVIN MARLIN SAYS GOALKEEPERS DESERVE TO WIN TOP ACCOLADES
“I don’t understand why some people think like that [that goalkeepers can’t win top awards],” Marlin told FARPost.
“We [goalkeepers] are unique, and we can use our hands. Otherwise, a goalkeeper is a level player that is part of the team’s set-up. I find it difficult to understand why a goalkeeper can’t be a Player of the Season.”
The former goalie has become the latest person to back Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns No. 1 Ronwen Williams to win the PSL top award. Previously, Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena and Kaizer Chiefs goalie Bruce Bvuma had endorsed ‘Ronza’ for the award.
This season, the 32-year-old has been exceptional in between the sticks. In 44 matches in all competitions, he has kept 30 clean sheets and only conceded 16 times. Williams also helped Masandawana to win the inaugural African Football League [AFL] and their seventh consecutive league title.
“Williams has done well this season, no doubt about it, and he’s done it consistently. For me, he should win it [PSL Footballer of the Season],” he added.
RELATED STORY: Calvin Marlin – Main reason for Cape Town Spurs’ early season struggles