Johannesburg - In what is a new dawn at Orlando Pirates - his new home, which is undergoing a makeover - Jackson Mabokgwane is hoping that he can finally get his moment to shine.
Mabokgwane has constantly lived in the shadows of some of the best goalkeepers in the country. But this time he is driven by more than the desire to succeed at Pirates, just being on the books of the club is huge for the 28-year-old.
“From a young age I have always been a Pirates supporter. It’s a dream come true now that I am here,” Mabokgwane said.
What would make this dream even better is if he were to be the Buccaneers’ first choice. He has to compete with Brighton Mhlongo, Felipe Ovono and Siyabonga Mpontshane for that honour. Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral admits that he hasn’t made up his mind on who will be hisnumber one.
Two years ago that decision was automatic when the late Senzo Meyiwa around.
Meyiwa is one of the goalkeepers that kept Mabokgwane in the shadows. He spent most of his time in the junior national teams behind Meyiwa. Now that Mabokgwane is with Bafana Bafana, he has to deputise for Itumeleng Khune.
It’s nothing new because he watched Brian Baloyi, Calvin Marlin and Wayne Sandilands share the No 1 jersey at Mamelodi Sundowns almost a decade ago at his first professional club. He then played second fiddle to Moeneeb Josephs at Bidvest Wits.
Just as he looked to be settling as the first choice, making the most of Josephs’ time out through injury, 'Slimkat' walked back into the starting XI. Mabokgwane left the Clever Boys for Mpumalanga Black Aces after that in 2014. One slip-up, a red-card against Pirates in September last year, relegated him to second choice behind Shu-Aib Walters. But there were some positives in his stay with AmaZayoni, one of which was working with Ertugral.
“It helps (in the race to be the first choice) that I have worked with the coach before,” Mabokgwane said. “I know what he wants and what he expects, not only from me but all the players.
“I have been helping where I can to make sure that I relay whatever it is that he needs from the guys.”
What Ertugral wants from his defenders is a back four that’s comfortable with the ball. That demand means that there will not only be a change in mind-set at the back, but possibly in the personnel too.
The first choice goalkeeper will be an important figure in that transition. He has to protect the team and organise those in front of him while they get used to playing together. There is just over a week to cement the No 1 spot, before Pirates start their campaign against Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium on August 24.
“Pirates are a very big club,” Mabokgwane said. “It’s important we have competition in every position. They’ve brought us here to bring that competition and strengthen the goalkeeping department. It’s good for the team.
“It’s great to have goalkeepers that you can rely on. Ovono did well in the penalty shoot-out (against Platinum Stars in the Maize Cup on Saturday). We are a collective. We are here to make sure that we have the best goalkeeping department in the league.”
The Star