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Cape Town - Ex-Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Alex Heredia has advised Brilliant Khuzwayo to get his coaching qualifications after the goalkeeper retired at the age of 29.
Khuzwayo shocked the footballing fraternity when he made the decision to hang up his gloves due to a long-term knee injury.
Heredia was once the coach of South Africa under-23 side and believes it is a great shame that the former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper has had to call time on his career.
He also believes that Khuzwayo should have sought a second medical opinion before making such a hasty decision.
“It’s a pity to hear such news. Look, he was such a talented goalkeeper and I know him at the U23, and I coached him at Bafana. I think we must believe this was a big injury that forced him to retire but he must not give up – he must have confidence,” Heredia told Goal.
“I think we need to believe and understand his decision, but I think we need to have a second opinion on the injury. That’s my opinion because it’s sad to lose such a talented goalkeeper, his talent was evident and there’s no doubt about that,” he added.
“He proved himself on many occasions whenever he got a chance to play. It was unfortunate that injuries held him back and he failed to realize his true potential,” noted the coach.
And Heredia believes Khuzwayo still has a lot to offer South African soccer and has the makings of a successful goalkeeper coach.
“In my opinion, it would be sad to see such a quality keeper going out of the picture. I think he can continue with his career in football.
“I would advise a coaching licence, start with his D and move to C licence. I am confident he will be a good keeper coach and possibly we can see him in the PSL and move to the national teams.
“He needs to try by all means and get involved in coaching courses and I will be happy to help him in my coaching classes. I can only say good luck to him, and it is very sad to talk about his retirement.
“He’s still young to see his talent going to waste and I think he has a role to play behind the scenes, he must just believe and remain confident,” he concluded.
