SuperSport United and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Emile Baron, has made one of the most remarkable comebacks in South African soccer history, thanks to coach Gavin Hunt.
A year ago the 30-year-old’s career looked washed up when he was playing second fiddle to Itumeleng Khune at Kaizer Chiefs and his hopes of playing for Bafana at the World Cup in June a far away dream.
Now he is 100 days away from seeing his dream of playing for his country at the World Cup realised.
His fortunes changed when Hunt decided to sign the former South African Under-23 and national keeper at the start of this season and the rest is history.
Baron played a star role in helping SuperSport win their third successive Absa Premiership title last week and has regained his place ahead of Khune as Bafana’s number one keeper going into Wednesday’s friendly international against Namibia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
He played in the recent 3-0 win over Zimbabwe at the same venue in January and is expected to start against Namibia.
Baron said without Hunt he would still be warming the bench at Chiefs.
A new lease on life
“I owe everything to Gavin. He was the only one who believed in me.
“I badly wanted to repay him and I was over the moon when we won the championship. Gavin restored my confidence and gave my career a new lease of life and I will make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.”
But Baron, who had played a handful of matches for his country before joining United, said he did not think he was Bafana head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira’s first choice at this stage.
“You can’t really say I am number one for Bafana as the coach is still checking his keepers for the World Cup. But my confidence has soared since joining United and I am enjoying my soccer again.
“It is my goal to play at the World Cup, but there is still a lot of hard work ahead and I am determined to meet that challenge. There are a couple of top keepers challenging and I have to keep working hard.”
Baron said he was thrilled at being in the Bafana squad at this moment and he expects a tough game against Namibia.
“Every game we play now is going to be difficult as every side we meet wants to beat the World Cup hosts.
“We have to step up a gear and get a result against Namibia.” — Sapa