What Kekana thinks of Pirates goalie Richard Ofori’s costly sacrifice

Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star Hlompho Kekana has heaped praise on goalkeeper Richard Ofori for his sacrifice to Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates.

The Ghanaian shot-stopper was ruled out of the World Cup due to injury which he suffered on duty for the Buccaneers. 

Ofori would have been the only player from the Premier Soccer League to grace this 2022 World Cup finals but was not named in the final squad for the Black Stars heading to Qatar for the global showpiece, set to start on Sunday.

The knee injury threw him by the wayside after it was certified that he would not recover in time for the World Cup.

Ofori first got injured in a league match against Golden Arrows and the ailment was aggravated at a crucial stage.

The injury forced him to miss the Soweto Derby, where Pirates suffered a 1-0 defeat to rivals Kaizer Chiefs and the MTN8 semifinal against Mamelodi Sundowns. Siyabonga Mpontshane was called into action on both occasions to guard Pirates’ goal. 

However, Ofori returned to action for the MTN8 final, where Pirates beat AmaZulu 1-0 to be crowned champions in Durban.

After that Usuthu clash, several reports indicated that Ofori got injured and played the MTN8 carrying a knock, while the Bucs goalie was also a notable absentee in the Carling Black Label Cup.

And while Kekana feels sorry for the Ghanaian, he emphasised that every game, whether league or national duty, must be given due diligence.

EVERY GAME IS IMPORTANT, SAYS KEKANA

“I feel for him [Ofori for missing the World Cup due to injury],” Kekana told the media at the Carling World Cup event in Sandton.

“As a player, it’s different how you take matches. As a person, I never took any 90 minutes for granted because at Sundowns, the next 90 minutes might not come.

“So you always know you are surrounded by good players, so you have to give the 90 minutes that come your way, the best of yourself.

“I always knew I have to take every opportunity. I wouldn’t mind or think of the next match, the 90 minutes that I’m in was the most important,” Kekana said.

Ofori started the season on a high note between the sticks for the Buccaneers, as he played a key role in Pirates MTN8 title triumph.

Before the injury, he was in a firm position to earn a place in the Ghana World Cup squad after playing a key part in the qualification sojourn.

Meanwhile, Ghana beat Switzerland 2-0 in a friendly match played on Thursday. They will hope to maintain the momentum when they plunge in the prestigious tourney.

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