Ex-Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Roger de Sa believes Darren Keet can challenge for Itumeleng Khune’s place in future as age is on his side.
Keet produced a magnificent performance in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations Group E tie. The result saw Bafana qualify for the AFCON tournament in Egypt during June and July.
Khune is out for the season with a shoulder injury and at this stage it appears unclear if he will be fit for the continental showpiece later this year.
De Sa, who made one appearance for South Africa against Zambia in 1993, handed Keet his professional debut for Bidvest Wits in 2008.
The 54-year-old told the Sowetan: “He was still at school when I signed him so I had to wait for him to complete his Matric in Cape Town, which was why we loaned him to Vasco da Gama.
“When he finally arrived at us it only took him a couple of months before he made his debut. His move to Belgium developed him a lot as a keeper and a person, and he came back with a lot more maturity.
“He has been a valuable part of that club [Wits], you can’t win anything without a good goalkeeper.
“Itu is out injured for a while and he is getting a bit long in the tooth, so that maybe opens the door for the next one.
“You don’t know with injuries how long it will take a player to get back to full fitness and their best form, especially the older they get. It takes longer.
“Darren is not a flashy keeper, but he is very consistent and does the basics very well. He is probably the best in the country under the high ball and commands that penalty box.
“It will be a tough call [when Khune returns], but a lot will depend on the club form, you have to take that account.
“Darren is in pole position and he must hold onto that but he has also got other competition.
“Ronwen Williams has done well and is a very good goalkeeper, and there are others out there too. It is a good position for the country to be in.
“Darren did well, but we mustn’t go crazy over one performance, he must continue ruling the bac
