Former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Calvin Marlin has expressed concern over what he says is the lack of a standout upcoming goalkeeper he can pick as an obvious future Bafana Bafana name to take over from the current crop.
Bafana has, in recent years, been well stocked in the goalkeeping department, with fewer worries about who to field. While there have been desperate searches for reliable strikers and playmakers, all proving to be difficult positions, the goalkeeping area has appeared to be steady.
South Africa captain Ronwen Willians has led a crop of goal minders who have made coaches comfortable. Veli Mothwa was part of the 2023 AFCON squad together with Williams and Ricardo Goss, who is on loan at Siwelele FC from Mamelodi Sundowns.
At the 2025 edition of the continental competition, Mothwa made way for Orlando Pirates shot-stopper Sipho Chaine. However, the camp for the March international friendly matches against Panama saw coach Hugo Broos drop Chaine in favour of Sekhukhune United’s Renaldo Leaner.
But Chaine has been fighting to reclaim his national team spot ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the most clean sheets in the Betway Premiership so far, after not conceding in 19 games. Competition in this department has got stiffer with Kaizer Chiefs‘ Brandon Petersen also raising his hand to be considered for the World Cup squad.
But looking ahead, Marlin does not see any attention being paid to younger goalkeepers, and he feels this could have long-term repercussions for Bafana.
WHY MARLIN FEARS FOR BAFANA’S NEXT GENERATION OF GOALKEEPERS
Williams is 34 and might be facing limited time with the national side, while Goss is 32 and Chaine is 29. With Petersen 31, Marlin sees an ageing crop with no clear heir apparent.
“I’m worried about the goalkeeping situation in South Africa. Younger keepers are not getting chances,” Marlin told FARPost.
“Unfortunately, that’s how the game has moved. Coaches’ jobs are on the line, so they go for experience and do not want to risk inexperienced guys. We are seeing the problems of not having a young keeper.
“We all talk about development. Coaches need to be brave and play young goalkeepers. At least that’s somewhere to start from.
“Yes, the young keepers will make mistakes, but they have to be exposed to high levels of football and gain experience.”
RELATED STORY: Why Sundowns should not worry about replacing ageing goalkeepers