Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has sent a strong message to those who want him to make way for Ghanaian number one Fatau Dauda insisting he is the best for the job.
Meyiwa has come under fire for his recent performances for the team which has prompted fans to ask that he should be replaced by Dauda who is yet to play an official match for the club.
Meyiwa, who conceded two goals against SuperSport United this past weekend, said the fans shouldnââ¬â¢t judge his ability based on the number of goals that he has conceded this season, but based on his contribution to the team.
ââ¬ÅClean sheets are not what you should be focusing on as a goalkeeper. Clean sheet is a bonus,â⬠Meyiwa told Goal.
ââ¬ÅA goalkeeper is not judged by the number of goals conceded, because best goalkeepers in Europe concede goals, but that doesnââ¬â¢t make them bad goalkeepers,â⬠he said.
The 26-year-old Bafana shot-stopper admitted that the absence of Siyabonga Sangweni and Patrick Phungwayo has destabilised his defence, but he described Rooi Mahamutsaââ¬â¢s absence as ââ¬Åa big loss to the clubââ¬.
Mahamutsa is still nursing a shoulder injury, and Meyiwa is optimistic that the 32-year-old defender will return at the right time to help Pirates win the league title.
ââ¬ÅPirates are a big club, and whoever plays in front of me is definitely great. Rooi Mahamutsa is a big loss to the club at the moment, but weââ¬â¢ve been winning games [without him], and I think he will back and make the team click and help us fight for the league title,â⬠he added.