No room to sulk on the bench - Brian Baloyi

Baloyi was up against some of South Africa’s most prominent glovemen in his era – the likes of Andre Arendse, Hans Vonk, Moeneeb Josephs and later Itumeleng Khune. 

This has prompted the former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns stopper to stress the importance of so-called “fringe” players in the national squad always putting the team first.

"It's very important for you to understand as a footballer, firstly, it doesn't matter what position you play, is that I'm in a team sport," said Baloyi.

"And, yes, I'm fighting for my position with two or three other people, but when the day comes, when I'm playing, I expect those not playing to support me – and it has to be the same [for everyone], you return the favour.

"And not just because you want to, but you have to because, at the end of the day, this is a team sport."

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Baloyi knows all about being on the bench and biding his time at Bafana and shares a message he usually gave to the younger goalkeepers, including Khune at Chiefs. 

"I always used to tell the young ones, including Itu, that when you're not playing, it's natural, you're going to be angry – when the coach tells you, you're not playing, be angry but don't be angry with anyone else but yourself.

"After that, if they tell you the starting line-up today and you're playing tomorrow, if by lunch time tomorrow you're still angry... Gather yourself and support the team, support the one who is playing."