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Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper Jody February was pleased to record his first clean sheet of 2017 in his man of the match display against title-chasing Supersport United on Saturday.
Fans and pundits alike called for the South Africa youth international goalkeeper to be dropped, after an individual error cost the Urban Warriors all three points against Kaizer Chiefs, in their 1-1 draw at Athlone Stadium last week.
However, manager Stanley Menzo kept his faith in the academy graduate for their trip to the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium to face off against Matsatsana. And he produced a man of the match display in the 0-0 draw to deny Stuart Baxter's side top spot in the Premiership.
"It was a big effort from the team," the 20-year-old said after the game. "The man of the match award goes to the entire team, not just me.
"I did my job by keeping the ball out. I am happy with my first clean sheet of 2017."
Menzo revealed the reason for retaining February in his starting XI, was to give the talented shot-stopper the opportunity to gain experience that will effectively eradicate the lapses of concentration he displayed in recent weeks.
"We have very talented young goalkeepers," Menzo told IOL.
"There will be times when they are inconsistent, because consistency comes with experience. And they can only get experience by giving them games."
February has been ever present since the departure of Anssi Jaakkola to Reading, keeping five clean sheets in 14 league outings.
