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Johannesburg - In contrast to last season, Bidvest Wits are now spoilt for choice when it comes to goalkeepers and heading that list is former Bafana Bafana shot-stopper Moeneeb Josephs who is relishing his new lease of life at the club.
Josephs sat on the sidelines for former club Orlando Pirates last season with Senzo Meyiwa the preferred choice. Now, after turning in a top performance against Platinum Stars in an Absa Premiership match on the weekend, the 33-year-old seems like the number one choice for coach Gavin Hunt.
Josephs said the competition between the keepers in the side was a good thing.
“This is what you need. You need healthy competition,” on Wednesday ahead of his side's MTN8 cup match against Bloemfontein Celtic on Friday.
“We have three young goalkeepers that's the future of this country. We have Denis Onyango, we have Jackson [Mabokgwane], Steve Hoffman those are all quality keepers.
The mixture of youth and experience in the department would help grow the skill according to Josephs.
“For us we are all keeping each other on our toes and trying to move to that next level. In goalkeeping you need guys pushing each other.
“We help one another and being an experienced goalkeeper you try and pass on the experience to the youngsters. Guys like Steven Hoffman are the future of this country and we need to be guiding guys like him.”
Josephs admitted he missed being in the game after such a long time.
“There's no secret, it's just about being hungry,” said Josephs.
“I haven't been in the game a while. I've missed being in the 18 yard area, where I can be me – that's where I feel at home.
“I haven't been there for about six to seven months. To be back in that environment again was amazing, no matter who I play for. As long as I'm in that area I'm going to give my best.”
Josephs had been overshadowed by the younger Meyiwa at Pirates, and had been seen as past his best.
But, Josephs who is in his second stint at the Clever Boys, said he enjoyed proving his critics wrong.
“There are always people that would think it's over for me, but that's what actually drives me.
“The ones that are hating on you are the ones that are pushing you, so you need them in your life. Me, I'm still hungry, I have the desire and ambition to keep going.”
The hunger never waned for Josephs, as he explained football was the driving force in his life.
“This love for the game has fed my family.
“It's taken me out things that guaranteed if football wasn't around I would have been in something completely different. How can you not have a passion to succeed when you know what you left behind.”
As for new Wits coach Hunt, Josephs lauded the enthusiasm of the former SuperSport United mentor.
“I have a coach here in Gavin Hunt that is passion personified. That rubs off on us. If that rubs off on to me things are going to be crazy this season.
“You just have to look at Gavin Hunt. People on the sides think he is going crazy - but that's his desire to win, his hunger for success. He brings a lot to this team.”
