Reyaad Pieterse is a player who is not new to the Bafana Bafana set up; however the upcoming COSAFA Cup may get him his first cap at the senior national team.
Reyaad Pieterse is a player who is not new to the Bafana Bafana set up; however the upcoming COSAFA Cup may get him his first cap at the senior national team. Pieterse who is only 24 years of age also has the opportunity to impress the Bafana Bafana assistant coach ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
NM:Thank you for your time; firstly congratulations on your move to SuperSport United. This is not your first call up to Bafana Bafana however; you come into this team as a senior player, how has camp been so far?
RP: It has been really good working with the future of the country and learning all the time and giving my best it’s been a little difficult as it’s my holy month of Ramadaan but it’s a sacrifice I’m prepared to go through.
What are you looking forward to the most during your first COSAFA Cup?
I am looking forward to get my first cap for the national team and try to win every game we play. I look forward to become part of this family and if possible winning the COSAFA Cup.
You obviously have a chance of making the final squad of the Olympic team, how are you finding working with Assistant coach Owen Da Gama?
Coach Owen is a brilliant coach who knows what he wants from the lads and; also knows how to get the best out of the guys and his very understanding and open to ideas which is very important.
Let’s focus on just you for a moment; with your height we understand why you are a goalkeeper, but where did it all start for you?
I started out as a defender actually. A friend’s grandfather suggested that I should try playing as a goalkeeper, I did not hesitate at the opportunity and within my first year as a goalkeeper I made the Southern Gauteng team. Ever since then I always focus on working hard and improving every day.
As a student of the game of football, what do you think is lacking in South African football?
Personally grassroots football and the development of the country are the missing links. If we can implement SAFA’s Vision 2022 throughout the country; we will dominate on the continent and the world. We do have the talent; we just need to learn the structure and discipline of the modern game.
Lastly what are some of your goals for the new season ahead and life in general?
I want to challenge for the number one jersey both at club and national levels. I also want to become the best the country has to offer.