Former goalkeeper coach Greg Etafia says Orlando Pirates' new goalkeeper Melusi Butbelezi deserves a place in the AFCON squad.
In January, Bafana Bafana will be competing in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, with Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, and Veli Mothwa expected to form part of the goalkeeping department, to be selected by coach Hugo Broos.
Since joining Pirates from Galaxy, Buthelezi has kept 7 clean sheets in 9 appearances.
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Etafia who is a former Super Eagles of Nigeria international, says he knew from the first day he worked with Buthelezi that he was destined for greater things.
"Melusi is very good, he learned that when he was with me at TS Galaxy," Etafia tells KickOff.
"He was the fourth-choice keeper at TS Galaxy before I came, but he worked hard and put in a lot of effort and I hope he continues like that you know. He is a very good and humble boy.
"I think he deserves a chance or a second look in the AFCON you know. I'm very proud of him. I think he deserves to have another chance at Bafana Bafana, he has been there before when he was still at TS Galaxy. He deserves to go to the AFCON.
"He worked hard to be where he is right now. I'm proud of him. He just does the basics when in goals he doesn't do the flashy things. I once told him, to be a good goalkeeper you need to stay calm and be yourself, don't try to be someone else."
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