Share

Pirates to rotate 'keepers

Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates will rotate their goalkeepers throughout the season, according to Buccaneers' No 2 shot-stopper Senzo Meyiwa.

Meyiwa told reporters on Thursday, ahead of his side's MTN8 second leg semi-final against SuperSport United, that coach Augusto Palacios had instituted a new policy of not allowing a 'keeper to sit on the bench for more than three games in a row.

He is the club's second keeper, behind Moeneeb Josephs, who retired from international soccer in May.

"We had a meeting as goalkeepers that each and every 'keeper musn't sit on the bench for more than three games so we alternate," Meyiwa said.

"That's the agreement for the season. We sit on the bench for three games, then we change - who's going to play, who wants to play."

Meyiwa started in the team's Premiership game against SuperSport United on Wednesday, which ended in a goalless draw.

"I'm playing against Moeneeb Josephs who was not in the starting line-up yesterday [Wednesday]," Meyiwa said.

"So the coach gave me an opportunity to play and I did my best."

He hinted that age may have played a factor in the new rotation policy.

"It's better for me to get game time and you can see Moeneeb Josephs getting older now, so I must be happy. There are other 'keepers at the moment [in the squad] but at the moment it's me and Moeneeb."

With Pirates struggling to score goals, they will have to find the net if they are to avoid penalties to progress to the final of the R8m cup competition.

"We have to win, and it means we have to score goals," Meyiwa added.

"Both teams [Pirates and SuperSport] are trying to score goals and it shows both teams have good goalkeepers. That's why they've kept a clean sheet for two games.

"I don't think it will go to penalties. Pirates must win the game."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE