Richard Ofori has opened up about some of the criticism directed his way and offered a word of advice to young players as he continues to defy age whilst keeping goal for AmaZulu FC.
Ofori kept nine clean sheets from his 19 league appearances, becoming the Durban-based outfit’s number one choice ahead of Veli Mothwa.
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The Ghana international has, however, also come under criticism for conceding what some sections of supporters feel are silly mistakes.
Speaking in a face-to-face with KICK OFF, he admitted he had seen his fair share of goalkeeping errors but insisted the criticism comes with the unique nature of being a goalkeeper.
"You just have to be strong, man (when the criticism comes)," said the 31-year-old.
"You must be fearless, and you must have this attitude of not caring about the criticism. If you don't have that attitude, as a goalkeeper, you will give up.
"Because sometimes you train well, you sleep well, you eat well. You do everything well and then you go and you play s**t.
"When the [other] players play badly, sometimes people don't make that much noise. But if a goalkeeper plays badly, then you are the topic of the day.
"So, you have to be strong as a goalkeeper, that's where you need that mental strength. You need to understand the position before you start.
"The position requires that whenever a mistake is made, people are going to criticise you, people are going to bully you.
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"So, you need to be prepared and ready for it. Your mind has to be solid in such a way that even when the ball goes through your legs, you get up, get the ball from the net, and move on with the game.
"A striker can miss 10 chances, but when he scores that one goal, he will be a hero. That's how it is. You have to understand the position you are playing as a goalkeeper.
Read the full interview with Richard Ofori in the June edition of the KICK OFF magazine, available in stores now!
