Richard Ofori responds to Gavin Hunt on foreign goalkeepers

Ghanaian international and AmaZulu goalkeeper Richard Ofori has joined the conversation about the rise of foreign goalkeepers in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Recently, SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt claimed that the influx of foreign shot-stoppers is hindering the growth of local talent.

Ofori disagrees with Hunt, using Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams as an example of how foreign goalkeepers can positively influence the league.

What Ofori said

“Improve other goalkeepers as well. If you look at Williams and others from when he was at SuperSport to now, you can see the changes,” Ofori told iDiski Times.

“He has to elevate his game because players like Onyango are here, which benefits the country. He’s now considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world and is even in contention for the Ballon d’Or. This shows that sometimes you need the best to compete against the best.”

Ofori added, “If you compare him to when he was at SuperSport, you’ll see a different person and personality.”

He emphasised, “It’s not a debate; you must be the best goalkeeper to play in another country.”

Currently, at least 12 PSL clubs have foreign goalkeepers, with teams like TS Galaxy, Richards Bay, and Golden Arrows featuring two non-South African keepers.

Despite this, Bafana Bafana remains strong, with Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, and Veli Mothwa competing for spots.

Williams has been nominated for the prestigious Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or and for three categories in the CAF awards.

It’s uncertain if South Africa will continue to produce local goalkeepers of international quality.

Emerging talents like Karabo Molefe from Kaizer Chiefs, and Siyabonga Dlala and Sphamandla Gumede from Orlando Pirates, are expected to develop into top stoppers in the near future, similar to Itumeleng Khune.

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