AmaZulu FC goalkeeper Richard Ofori has opened up on how he lost his place in the starting line-up at his former club Orlando Pirates.
Ofori had a successful start to his tenure at Pirates, although he faced challenges due to injuries on several occasions.
Following a significant long-term injury, the club acquired Sipho Chaine in 2022 as a backup to Siyabonga Mpontshane, who was the second-choice goalkeeper at that time.
Chaine was given an opportunity to play when Mpontshane encountered difficulties, and he subsequently secured the position permanently.
Upon his return from injury, Ofori found it difficult to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup. He believes that his injuries significantly contributed to his loss of position within Jose Riveiro’s squad.
OFORI EXPLAINS REASONS BEHIND LACK OF GAME TIME 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 the space that has 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.”
