Bafana Bafana will be in safe hands during the Confederations Cup which kicks off when South Africa host Asian champions Iraq in the opening Group A match on Sunday.
That was the view of Bafana goalkeeping coach Grant Johnson speaking during a break at a special Bafana gala banquet held at an upmarket Kyalami venue on Monday night.
The banquet held in Bafana players’ honour was hosted by their sponsors and the South African Football Association, for fans to pay tribute to their heroes.
Johnson gave all three Bafana keepers, number one choice Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs, German based Rowen Fernandez and veteran Mamelodi Sundowns keeper Brain Baloyi, a clean bill of health after an intensive four week training camp.
Only Arminia Bielefeld keeper Rowen Fernandez missed the first two weeks of the camp while he was on duty with his club.
Said Johnson: ”I must say the four-week camp has been a master stroke by our coach Joel Santana. The players have really worked hard and the camp has made a huge difference to players’ physical and mental fitness.
”As far as the goalkeepers are concerned, each one has shown a hunger and determination to fight for the number one jersey. It has been a fantastic experience for me working and helping the Bafana keepers for such a major tournament.”
Johnson, who was one of the best local born keepers produced in recent times, had a successful playing career with Manning Rangers and SuperSport United, and said he was confident that no matter which keeper Santana selected against Iraq, he would do the country proud.
He added all three keepers have shown remarkable improvement during the camp. ”Take Brian [Baloyi] for example. At age 35 he lost four kilograms.
”That shows he is keen to push the younger keepers all the way. I was very impressed by Baloyi’s willingness to work and recapture his peak form at training.”
Johnson said he believed the goalkeeping department was in good hands for the near future. ”Khune is a youngster and has a tremendous future ahead of him.
”This tournament is going to do wonders for his career. He is growing in stature, he has made mistakes like we all do, but he is a quick learner.”
Khune turns 22 on June 20, the day Bafana meet Spain, the world’s top-ranked side, in their third and final Group A match in Bloemfontein.
Fernandez is regarded as the number two choice. Although he has more international experience, the former Amakhosi keeper has been out of action for most of last season with an injury, but has shown he has fully recovered and is pushing Khune hard for the goalkeeping spot.
Johnson is confident Bafana will do well in the Confederations Cup. He believes a semifinal place is within Bafana’s reach.
”I am really positive about the tournament. Not only is the goalkeeping department looking sharp, but the players have bonded.
”This has been a great camp, not only working, but for building a tremendous team spirit.”
Johnson said the 1-0 friendly win over Poland at Orlando Stadium last weekend was the turning point. ”It was vital to have come away with a win over a respected side like Poland.
”It has boosted the players, technical staff and the morale of the public. We cannot wait to have 60 000 odds fans cheering for us at Ellis Park against Iraq on Sunday.
”The fans could make the difference. We are hoping to create an intimidating atmosphere from the stands.” — Sapa