Newly signed AmaZulu FC goalkeeper Richard Ofori has revealed the reasons he believes contributed to his limited playing time at his former club Orlando Pirates.
The Ghanaian shot-stopper was the number-one ‘keeper for the Buccaneers in his first two seasons at the club but, at times, was on the sidelines due to injuries he sustained.
Meanwhile, Sipho Chaine, who was initially brought in from as a backup option, made a strong impression when he was given the opportunity to play in the 2022/23 season.
His impressive showings solidified his position between the posts, making it hard for the former Maritzburg United man to reclaim his starting spot when he recovered from injury.
Ofori attributes his lack of game time to a combination of injuries and strong competition from Chaine.
RICHARD OFORI ON HOW HE LOST HIS PLACE AT PIRATES
“Game time we do this, sometimes it’s not like that you’re a bad player or something, you need to understand the situation because most of the time once you get injured and then you’re coming back and stuff, it’s very hard sometimes,” said Ofori.
“And then when the person – the one that is playing is doing well, it’s hard for the coach and the team to decide.
“So those are the things that young players and some of us, we understand about the game.
“So it’s not something new, although we are here once again to represent the best club, the oldest club in the country, which is I’m happy because normally I always want to be in a space that has a history behind it.
“The history behind this club is one of the best teams and then the oldest club in the country.
“So to be here, I’m happy and then I need to focus on how to improve myself and then how to make things right here in AmaZulu.”
Ofori will be vying for the starting goalkeeper position at AmaZulu, facing competition from Veli Mothwa, Kwanele Mbanjwa, and Olwethu Mzimela.
He could make his debut for Usuthu as early as Friday, 18 October when they host Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 clash at King Zwelithini Stadium.
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