AmaZulu co-coach Arthur Zwane has jumped to the defence of Ghanaian goalkeeper Richard Ofori, stating that the former Black Stars captain remains one of their key players.
The 31-year-old was in scintillating form last week, producing a clean sheet against Marumo Gallants as Usuthu comfortably won 2-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Zwane says together with his co-coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi they will never put Ofori to the sword after he was involved in two howlers the week before, when AmaZulu drew 2-2 with Kaizer Chiefs.
"You know Richard has been one of our best players ever since we came on board, myself and coach Kanu. He kept us in the game on many occasions, he's been outstanding therefore we cannot crucify him or destroy him when he's only made two mistakes or three mistakes,” Zwane said.
“Football is a game of mistakes. He has played a very huge role, his presence, you know when he's there you are covered in many ways. He's a big boy, he's an international player.
“He knows why he is here and moreover he's one person that is very focused. Spiritually also he’s very powerful. So, I know people who are spiritual don't succumb to any pressure. They can make mistakes because it's the nature of football for us to make mistakes even as coaches and players as well but it's always how you come back after a setback."
This was Ofori’s fourth clean sheet since he joined AmaZulu towards the end of last year and his arrival coincided with the new era of Zwane and Vilakazi taking over where the Durban club's fortunes have improved. Ofori has been a key part of seven wins, two draws and six losses in all competitions and Zwane says they need to convert their chances and put their defense and goalkeepers at ease.
"Like you said, you mentioned the save that he made there, now you can imagine had we conceded you know the last seven minutes would have been difficult for us. It's like you allow people who are already dead, you bring them back into the game,” the coach added.
“And I always say to players, in real life when someone is down there, you give him a helping hand in real life because you don't want to see other people suffering but in football when someone is down there you push them further down because when they get the same opportunity against you, they make sure you don't come back."
Amazulu currently sit 6th on the Premier Soccer League table with 23 points after clearing 17 games this season.
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