Bafana Bafana
Phali: Bafana need patience
2012-06-04 12:11
Johannesburg - Jomo Cosmos goalkeeper Avril Phali has called for patience in the
Bafana Bafana camp, despite yet another disappointing outcome following
their 1-1 draw against Ethiopia in their opening 2014 Soccer World Cup
qualifier on Sunday.
GALLERY: Best pictures from the past weekendKatlego Mphela managed to secure a point for Bafana by netting
his 23rd goal in 46 appearances, after having gone 1-0 down in the 28th
minute after a brilliant strike by Salahdin Said Ahmed.
The result marked South Africa's seventh successive match without
victory, but Phali feels the results will eventually start coming for
Pitso Mosimane's men.
"To be honest, I think Bafana played a good brand of football and showed good character to get the goal back," he told Football411.
"Ethiopia made things difficult for us because they parked the
bus and tried to catch us on the counter but we were able to contain
them.
"Yes, I know there were times where we could have scored but you
know how football is sometimes, I think 'Lady Luck' is still not with us
but we just need to remain patient."
Phali also voiced his opinion on Moeneeb Josephs's decision to
retire from international football, stating the Orlando Pirates
shot-stopper's services are still in high demand in the national team.
"I've been trying to reach him on his mobile but my tries went in
vein. Comprehending the importance of family, I can bear with him on
that one. Moeneeb is doing well for Pirates, he is a great, experienced
goalkeeper and as a country, we need to be honest with ourselves because
we really need him," Phali continued.
"After Itu (Khune suffers an injury or suspension) what will
happen? Do we have a goalkeeper with so much international experience
and great abilities to replace him? I don't think so.
"Looking at guys like Benni McCarthy, Sibusiso Zuma and Siyabonga
Nomvethe, those guys are older than me and they are still going strong,
I'm encouraged and challenged to go even further."
Looking to his own personal performances for Ezenkosi, Phali
added: "With us goalkeepers, you just need to keep pushing the
wheel-barrow and your career shall never end, instead with age you grow
wiser, the better and more matured.
"Hence I'm saying I'm looking at yet gaining promotion back to
the PSL with Jomo Cosmos and still playing for many more years. In the
meantime somebody needs to speak to Moeneeb because he is still needed."
Bafana Bafana will travel to Botswana this coming Saturday for their second encounter of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.