Shakes backs Bafana keepers
Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba is backing his goalkeepers to deliver despite a lack of game time this season.
Mashaba named Itumeleng Khune, Jackson Mabokgwane and Darren Keet as the three goalkeepers in his squad that is preparing for back-to-back clashes against Cameroon in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.
But Bafana's boss has admitted that both Khune and Mabokgwane are in desperate need of game time, which could prove costly against the Indomitable Lions - who sit top of group M with two wins in as many matches.
Meanwhile Bafana sit bottom of the group with one loss and a draw under their belt - meaning their March 26 date with Cameroon is a must win if they want to stay in the running for the continent's prestigious showpiece.
That puts the pressure firmly on Bafana's two main choice shot-stoppers, who have battled against injuries all season. However Mashaba believes it is a problem that faces many players and coaches and the simple solution is to give his players a chance.
"Two weeks back, for the first time I read a newspaper that spoke about the problem we're going to have with our goalkeepers for these coming games and I agreed," Mashaba said after naming his side on Thursday.
"If you look at all of our goalkeepers that we use, they've never got game time but maybe they will start now. Those are the type of reports one wants to read."
Meanwhile Supersport United midfielder Dean Furman was one of the unlucky players to miss out on selection. The experienced campaigner has long been a regular feature in the side and was surprised at his omission - while vowing to play his way back into contention.
"Sadly I didn't get the call up which is disappointing. I think since I've been involved with Bafana, its one of the first games I've not been called up for. It's a big disappointment, but first and foremost I wish the team luck, it's two massive games and I really hope they come home with maximum points," Furman said.
"For me, it means I have to put my head down, work harder and hopefully for the next call-up I get my name back in the squad."
Bafana face Cameroon away in their first leg tie on Saturday, March 26 at the Stade Omnisports de Limbe. The sides meet three days later on Tuesday, March 29 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
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