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How I Became a Goalkeeper - Deshi Bhaktawer

In our feature How I Became a Goalkeeper, legendary shot-stopper Deshi Bhaktawer explains how he ended up starring for the likes of Arcadia Shepherds and Orlando Pirates.

Unlike most keepers, Bhaktawer's story is very unique as he started in goals from the very beginning.

"My Dad was a goalkeeper; my brother was a goalkeeper, so I think it was a family thing.

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"I think it was a natural progression to being a goalkeeper.

"I played as an infield player when I was 9 years old but that didn't last very long. I went back to being a goalkeeper.

"The more you stay in goals it's the more you start doing those instinctively.

"I remember how I hated losing or getting a goal scored against me.

"It was hard work, but I don't regret at all being a goalkeeper."

"I grew up supporting Arcadia, so most of the goalkeepers I followed played at Arcadia. I grew up watching people like Trevor Gething and Nicky Hayward.

"They were both at Arcadia. Though at different times I must say. There were also some goalkeepers from overseas that played there, and they were also very good."

Who are some of the goalkeepers today who are your favourites?

"Currently locally it's Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns, I've spent some time working with him.

"Maybe I'm a little bit biased but he's come up in leaps and bounds. He's grown in every way.

"Overseas there are too many good goalkeepers. They are very, very fortunate in some countries."

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