AmaZulu FC goalkeeper Richard Ofori has stepped up to talk about his lack of playing time during his final season with Orlando Pirates, where the Ghana international made just three appearances.
Considered one of Pirates' most experienced players at the time, it would have come as a surprise to many when Ofori’s playing time was drastically reduced in 2023/24.
After all, the shot-stopper had been a key part of the MTN8 dominance, captaining the side and even scoring the winning spot-kick to help them lift the trophy the seaosn prior – one in which he made 13 appearances in all competitions.
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The writing was seemingly on the wall, and it was no surprise the two parties parted ways at the expiry of Ofori’s contract in June 2024.
The big keeper’s in-demand services were secured by KwaZulu-Natal powerhouse Usuthu, where he is re-establishing himself as one of the top stoppers in the Betway Premiership.
He kept nine clean sheets from his 22 appearances to help the team finish in an impressive sixth position after a dismal start to the campaign.
Speaking briefly and exclusively to KICK OFF during a shoot for Italian fragrance Armani, Ofori revealed there was no bad blood between him and the Buccaneers, and that he holds no grudges over the lack of opportunities during his final season.
"Yes, that (not playing) also happens in football. It's normal. In addition to the mental strength. Firstly, I will say, check your surroundings, that's very key. You are not playing, and you are injured; it's easy to slip into a negative mindset," warned the 31-year-old.
"You could start believing someone is using something on you (muti), or things like that. So, that's where the problem starts. You have to protect your mind; if you can protect your mind, you have already protected yourself from so many things.
"Most of the time, when we players go through those stages, we lose our focus and instead of focusing on how to improve, we focus on things that don't help us.
"Every player wants to play, but it is about the team, not the individual. If you want to play an individual sport, then you should play, maybe, tennis. It's about the team here," he added.
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"So, for me, it was just a case of whether you are playing or not, you have to support your teammates. It is a team sport. Your teammate is not the coach. That's what players need to remember.
"The teammate is not a member of management, your teammate is your teammate, and you are fighting for one goal.'
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"So, if you are not getting the chance to play, it's not because your teammate is blocking your opportunity. If you start fighting your teammates, you will end up destroying what you have built for years. If you want to be a leader, you have to be selfless.
"I was at Pirates, I would go to the national team, come back from the national team and still not play, but the team was always more important than the individual."
Read the full interview with Richard Ofori in the June edition of KICK OFF Magazine, out in stores now!
