Goalkeeping in modern football is referred to as the last line of defence, and it is a role that NWU’s Maduo Amogelang carries out with utmost diligence.
This 21-year-old, first year Sport Science student from Kimberly has played all five Varsity Football games for his team, conceding only six goals out of the 70 goals scored so far in the tournament.
When asked about his huge responsibility Amogelang said the key is to remain calm at all times.
“It takes nerves of a steel to be a goalkeeper. If strikers miss the ball they can be forgiven, but if we goalkeepers miss the ball gets behind the net and it’s a negative for the team. It requires us to be calm at all times to prevent the other team from scoring,” he said.
Amogelang`s goalkeeping prowess started by a peculiar twist of fate. He actually played as a midfielder for his local Football Association team in Kimberly until one day their goalkeeper got injured.
As there was no substitute goalkeeper he unhesitantly took over that responsibility. From there he never looked back.
Amogelang says to be a good goalkeeper you need to be organized, mentally tough, strong in the air, you must possess speed and be loud.
“Our goalkeeper coach, Enoch Llali is playing a pivotal role in installing all those technical and tactical goalkeeping skills in us,” he said.
Maduo looks up to his mother, a single parent for inspiration. He also wishes to play alongside current South Africa number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the not so distant future.
Amogelang played a good defensive role in their game against UP-Tuks on Monday and he says he is looking forward to their next game against UJ.
“The only team we fear in this tournament is ourselves (NWU Mafikeng). I know UJ beat Tuks 4-0, we can instill the same pain on them,” concluded Amogelang confidently.
By Phenyo Mokgothu
