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Cape Town - Bafana Bafana midfielder Dean Furman says that it’s up to the
experienced members of the squad to guide newcomers like Rivaldo
Coetzee.
The 17-year-old Coetzee made his international debut in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Congo in Brazzaville and Furman, among others, was seen to be giving the defender words of encouragement.
“It is important for the more experienced players to help these young boys and take the pressure off their shoulders a little bit,” Furman told Football411.
“Obviously they’ve got ability in abundance - otherwise they wouldn’t be in the squad - so they also have to believe in themselves.
“As older players we have to remember that we were also younger players, and the older players at the time helped us along.
“So it is important that when [youngsters] get their opportunity, we as the older players try and take the pressure of their shoulders so they feel free to go and shine for us because we know they’ve got ability.
“And we want the best for them and obviously with them playing well they will help Bafana move forward.”
The weekend's victory in Pointe-Noire took Bafana Bafana to the top of the standings in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying round, with a return clash against the men from Congo scheduled for Wednesday.
The 17-year-old Coetzee made his international debut in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Congo in Brazzaville and Furman, among others, was seen to be giving the defender words of encouragement.
“It is important for the more experienced players to help these young boys and take the pressure off their shoulders a little bit,” Furman told Football411.
“Obviously they’ve got ability in abundance - otherwise they wouldn’t be in the squad - so they also have to believe in themselves.
“As older players we have to remember that we were also younger players, and the older players at the time helped us along.
“So it is important that when [youngsters] get their opportunity, we as the older players try and take the pressure of their shoulders so they feel free to go and shine for us because we know they’ve got ability.
“And we want the best for them and obviously with them playing well they will help Bafana move forward.”
The weekend's victory in Pointe-Noire took Bafana Bafana to the top of the standings in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying round, with a return clash against the men from Congo scheduled for Wednesday.
