AmaZulu goalkeeper coach Wayne Sandilands has defended his goalie Veli Mothwa, who has been at fault at times and more so specifically this season.
Sandilands, who joined Usuthu during the off season after leaving the relegated Maritzburg United, was appointed as the goalkeeper coach of the side under Pablo Franco Martin.
But, this season, the Bafana Bafana number two has not provided consistent safety at the back in the last line of defence, flapping an easy catch when they drew with Chippa United away recently.
Mbongeni Gumede, who had scored the goal for Usuthu that would have sealed all the three points, was seen fuming, as Mothwa spectacularly flew in the air to save the ball in what was supposed to be an easy catch and the ball slip through his fingers and into his own net.
“I think moments like that can happen,” said Sandilands, who also had his fair share of being caught off the line and one in particular by Hlompho Kekana with Mamelodi Sundowns against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium a few seasons ago.
“But we just have to make sure that every game we are doing the best that we can together collectively, him and I, giving our best in terms of our training, in terms of trying to improve on things.
“I think that he’s our national team goalkeeper, number two for Bafana Bafana and he’s been playing regularly and is pushing. So there are improvements and really, he’s on a good way. And I think there’s always room for improvement in every keeper. I think even Allison (Becker) at Liverpool or wherever.
“There are always things to improve on. But we continue to just work hard and there’s still a long way to go in the season. So hopefully the team, I think our focus is the team doing well, the team trying to achieve new heights.”
Sandilands is prepping Mothwa as Usuthu host TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout semi final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
The 40-year-old former Bafana Bafana international won this cup in 2006 when it was known as Telkom Knockout Cup, the first addition then after replacing Coca-cola, when Owen da Gama’s Silver Stars beat Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs) 3-1 in the final.
