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Josephs not keen on Bafana return

Johannesburg - Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs sent a strong message to the South African Football Association and Bafana Bafana coach, Shakes Mashaba, citing that he is no longer interested in representing his country and he should not be considered for future selections.

With preferred goalkeepers Itumeleng Khune and Jackson Mabokgwane out injured, the veteran shot stopper was tipped as a favourite to be selected for this month African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Cameroon.

Josephs, 35, however said SAFA must not fool themselves by considering an old man like him to don the national jersey instead of young goalkeepers like Jody February of Ajax Cape Town.

"No, no not the national team again, my hunger and interest to play are no longer there," said Josephs.

"I got the opportunity to play in the national team when I was 23 and that was late for a goalkeeper.

"Now we have 18 and 19-year-old goalkeepers who can be thrown into a deep end and by the time they turn 23 they'll be seasoned professionals.

"Then these guys would be ready by then, give them an opportunity now, why must an old machine like me stand in the way of young boys who want to make history for themselves?

"Let us not be fooled here, you can't have a 2022 vision and still consider me knowing that I won't be there in 2022.

"We have young keepers like Jody February and if you ask him if he would want to play for the national team, he would jump into the opportunity.

"Because he's hungry and passionate to be there. But as for me , oh No not at all, I'm no longer interested to represent my country.

"I'm fully focused on my club because that's where my passion and hunger for success are."

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