Ricardo Goss loan: The crucial stipulation Sundowns had to agree to
SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews has revealed the pivotal condition that paved the way for the loan move of highly-rated goalkeeper Ricardo Goss from Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of the 2024/25 PSL season.
Goss, a Sundowns goalkeeper, has spent the past few seasons on loan at SuperSport United. Despite his impressive performances at the club, where he has consistently been the number-one goalkeeper, Goss has found himself playing second fiddle to Ronwen Williams both at Sundowns and international level – Bafana Bafana.
His solid performances have earned him a place in the Bafana squad, but his playing time has been limited due to Williams’ dominance as the national team’s No.1 goalie. Goss was part of the SA squad that won the bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON finals in Ivory Coast, but his game time was restricted.
Last season, the 30-year-old made 33 appearances for SuperSport United in all competitions. Despite his efforts, the team’s defensive struggles were evident, as Goss managed to keep only seven clean sheets.
STAN MATTHEWS COMMENTS ON RICARDO GOSS DEAL
The CEO says he put in an offer that Goss must play against Sundowns or else the deal will be called off. Goss signed a two-year loan deal in July with Matsatsantsa.
Sundowns always have a clause on their loanees’ contracts that they can’t play against them in all competitions.
“I said if he couldn’t play against them [Sundowns], there is no deal. I can’t all the time field the second team when I’m playing against Sundowns,” said Matthews. “It’s not good for my club; it’s not good for my plan. It can’t be that each time I’m playing a big match, this one can’t play, and this one can’t play.
“That’s why I didn’t take any other players on loan from Sundowns. But I think with Ricardo it’s a right thing, if you are not good enough to play for Sundowns, why are you a worry for them.
“I can’t keep on undermining my club, I’m drawn against Sundowns in a cup then, I can’t field my best 11. We got a target, and it means fielding my best 11, and it’s quite a formidable team. We want to win a cup this season, that means playing my best 11.”
RELATED STORY: Arendse’ candid advice for Goss to dethrone Williams as Bafana first-choice goalie