‘We’re in trouble if he gets injured’ – Brian Baloyi’s concerns on Bafana star
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has expressed his concerns about Bafana Bafana should one of the crucial players sustain an injury.
The 1996 AFCON winners seem to have found a good run of form under the guidance of the head coach Hugo Broos. South Africa defied the odds at the 2023 AFCON after finishing third in the tournament to claim the bronze medal. The host nation Ivory Coast won the prestigious Nations Cup after defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final.
Bafana proved to be a formidable side at the AFCON despite playing with most local-based players. They had Mihlali Mayambela and Siphephelo Sithole in the squad as the only two players who were playing in Europe. Mayambela plays for Cypriot club Aris Limassol while Sithole turns out for C.D Tondela in Portugal’s second division.
WHAT’S BRIAN BALOYI’S CONCERNS ABOUT BAFANA BAFANA?
With Bafana having a handful of local players and producing good performances at the AFCON, the retired goalkeeper Brian Baloyi says Hugo Broos’ men are over-reliant on Ronwen Williams and they would struggle if he gets injured.
The first-choice goalie was a hero for Bafana, particularly in the penalty shootout and he walked away with the Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award.
“I think we are sitting with the problem with had when Itu [Khune] was at his prime, where we would always be nervous that should he get an injury, we are in trouble,” Baloyi told FARPost.
“So right now, Ronwen Williams took a very long time to graduate and be where he is. And with him, we are in a position where we saying should he get an injury, we are in trouble.
“We need to have a proper plan, from goalkeeer development in all corners. In associations, clubs and academics.”
The 32-year-old star has 44 caps in Bafana colours since making his debut in 2014 under the guidance of Gordon Igesund.
In the current Bafana setup, AmaZulu FC shot-stopper Veli Mothwa and Ricardo Goss who’s on loan at SuperSport United from Sundowns serve as understudies to Williams.
RELATED STORY: Brian Baloyi backs two big names for Kaizer Chiefs coach