Richard Ofori’s quest to join Ghana’s World Cup roster won’t get special consideration in the MTN8 final, according to Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro.
Siyabonga Mpontshane has taken over as Pirates’ starting goalkeeper in recent weeks after Ofori suffered an injury that seriously jeopardized his World Cup aspirations.
But Ofori was eligible to play in Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, beginning on the bench as Mpontshane maintained his position as the No. 1.
Mpontshane may have been the Man of the Match, but for Yusuf Maart’s exquisite long-range goal, he would have won.
Mpontshane’s heroics on Saturday carried over from his performance in the MTN8 semi-final second leg, which helped them defeat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 overall.
The MTN8 final between Pirates and AmaZulu is slated for Saturday night, hence there is uncertainty over who will start in goal between Mpontshane and Ofori.
Riveiro, though, struck a humble tone while addressing at their media open day on Tuesday, stating that he would choose among four keepers for the final at Moses Mabhida.
Siyabonga, Richard, Kopano (Thuntsane), and Sipho (Chaine) are the four goalkeepers I have on the team, according to Riveiro.
“This week, they are all available to train. And just like every week, we’ll decide who will kick off this game at the conclusion of the week.”
Ofori missed the play-offs against Nigeria owing to an injury he sustained during the World Cup group stage qualifiers against Bafana Bafana.
He did, however, rejoin the Ghanaian national team in time for their most recent friendly, however it is uncertain whether he will make the final roster for the finals in Qatar.
Given that Ofori will be the only PSL player among the 32 national teams, his selection for the Black Stars bodes well for South African football.
Group H includes Ofori’s Black Stars, Son Heung-South min’s Korea, Luis Suarez’s Uruguay, and Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
@Mihlalibaleka