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Pirates 'keeper affected by benching - report

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Felipe Ovono's confidence was affected by warming the bench that the 23-year-old did not want to represent Equatorial Guinea.

Ovono was initially handed a chance to play in goal by former coach Muhsin Ertugral, however, some high profile errors eventually saw him drop down the pecking order behind the likes of Brighton Mhlongo, Siyabonga Mpontshane and Jackson Mabokgwane.

As such, his representative Sipho Shaven told Goal that his client's confidence was shaken by his treatment at Pirates. He said: "Felipe was reluctant to represent his country a few months ago after receiving a national team call-up.

"He felt that he did not deserve to play ahead of players, who were getting playing time at their clubs. For him it was unfair to his team-mates.

"But in the end, he played for his country because they still believe in his abilities back home. Despite his current situation at Pirates, where he has not been playing regularly which had affected his confidence."

The player has been linked with a move away from Mayfair although current interim coach Augusto Palacios is said to be willing to hand the Mongomo-born star another chance to prove himself in 2017.

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