Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane believes the country now has a sufficient pool of shot-stoppers to select from ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. South Africa is among the nine African nations that qualified for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Besides the two international matches against Panama in Durban and Cape Town, they will still get one more FIFA break to prepare.
Head coach Hugo Broos recently made a change in his goalkeepers, dropping Orlando Pirates number one Sipho Chaine, who was part of the AFCON squad in Morocco.
Sekhukhune United keeper Renaldo Leaner has been called up alongside Ronwen Williams and Ricardo Goss. Over the past few years, other goalkeepers have received recognition from Broos, including Sage Stephens from Stellenbosch FC and Darren Johnson from AmaZulu FC.
Mabokgwane, who recently opened an academy to train goalkeepers in Polokwane, says that, compared with other countries, South Africa is well-equipped in that area.
“In fact, we have got one of the best goalkeeping departments in Africa,” Mabokgwane told FARPost.
“Look at the top countries, and you will see that the likes of Egypt, maybe have a number one or a number two. But we have about three or four that are of real quality. You still have Sage Stephens and other boys who are doing well and are consistent at the club level. So we can’t doubt those goalkeepers.”
“I believe we have enough pool. If you look at the previous matches we played before leading to this one, the coach has given other players like Sipho Chaine a chance,” he said.
FORMER BAFANA BAFANA GOALKEEPER BACKS RONWEN WILLIAMS AND CO. AHEAD OF WORLD CUP
“But I must say most of the performances are speaking for them, but the personalities are a little bit quiet, and that obviously sometimes makes an African fan worry a little bit because we expect a little bit of personality from a person like a goalkeeper from where we come from.
“Ronwen used to be like that, but he has grown. He has come out of his shell, and he’s now doing that. That’s why I am saying that maybe the one element our boys can improve on is just showing a little bit of personality.
“But we have top-quality goalkeepers that I believe, even if they had to step in, are more than capable of doing that.”
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