South African Football Association (Johannesburg)
30 November 2011
Wendell Robinson, the goalkeeper coach of the South African Under 23 Men’s National Team, is working hard to ready the three goalkeepers in the squad for the CAF Under 23 Championship in Morocco.
Robinson is vigilant with his training routines to ensure they are ready for competition. His philosophy is to subject all the three goalkeepers to similar exercises and give equal attention to all of them.
Brilliant Khuzwayo of Thanda Royal Zulu is the first choice goalkeeper, and is deputised by Brighton Mhlongo of Orlando Pirates and Sage Lottering of Moroka Swallows.
Robinson says his training regime is about basics, and comprises of ball handling, dealing with ground balls from both sides of the goal posts, as well as accurate distribution when launching counter attacks.
“We focus on quality in all our training sessions, we also keep the confidence levels very high. We work on unity and togetherness and that is why I focus on all three goalkeepers when we warm up before the match so that they can all feel they are truly part of the team.
Goalkeepers are the last line of defence hence we emphasise the importance of keeping the concentration levels high at all times, and psychologically we calm them down to avoid unnecessary tension and anxiety,” said Robinson.
Khuzwayo saved a penalty on Sunday when South Africa played to a one all draw against Cote d’Ivoire. Robinson says Khuzwayo has such abilities.
“Goalkeeper’s natural ability is a key factor and Khuzwayo is complementing that ability by playing regularly for his club. Nothing beats game experience and no amount of training can substitute the experience you gain from match situations”.
AllAfrica – All the Time