Josephs recommits to Bafana
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs is once again available for Bafana Bafana selection following a meeting with new national team coach Gordon Igesund on Thursday.
Josephs stunned the football fraternity shortly before SA's 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia in June when he announced his retirement from the national team set-up, citing family problems. But after meeting with new Bafana Bafana coach, the goalkeeper said he had reconsidered the decision and would want to play for the National Team again.
"I went to see Moeneeb Josephs regarding his Bafana Bafana future and to discuss his retirement from international football which I thought was premature. I didn’t go there to beg him to play for the National Team, but to hear the reasons for his early retirement at the peak of his career," said Igesund.
The Bafana coach is currently finalising plans for the international friendly match against Brazil scheduled for Sao Paulo on September 7. The return of Josephs will give Igesund more options in the goalkeeping department.
"He opened up to me and told me the reasons for his decision. I believe the issues are personal and it would be unfair for me to discuss them publicly. Josephs feels he still has a lot to offer and would love to be considered for selection into the Bafana Bafana squad again.
"He also acknowledged that he has to work as hard as all the other players to earn a national team call up as there are many good goalkeepers in the country. He assured me he would fight for his place in the squad," added Igesund.
The Bafana Bafana mentor said he was looking forward to the MTN8 tournament starting on Friday as he and his technical team are keen to start watching games and monitor all the players.
