Phali: Bafana need patience

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.

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Katlego 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.