Ricardo Goss set for increased role at Mamelodi Sundowns, says John Tlale

Mamelodi Sundowns legend John Tlale believes Ricardo Goss will play an important role for the club this season after returning from four consecutive loan spells.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper is back at Mamelodi Sundowns after the club turned down several offers from other PSL clubs. Tlale says the decision to keep Goss was justified and that the club’s demanding schedule should provide him with regular opportunities behind Ronwen Williams.

“A goalkeeper can play for as many years as he likes; your career is longer if you are a goalkeeper, so at Sundowns, Goss is definitely going to play because of the many games they will be playing this season,” Tlale told KickOff.

Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to face a packed campaign, increasing the need to manage Williams’ workload. Tlale says Goss’s continued presence at the club reflects his belief that he will be given meaningful playing time.

“Playing every game is tiring for Ronwen Williams. Goss he stayed at Sundowns because he is confident he will get game time. They are going to play about four cup finals if everything goes according to plan,” he said.

Goss’ Bafana Bafana display

Goss retained his place in the Bafana Bafana goalkeeping department despite not being Mamelodi Sundowns’ first-choice goalkeeper. Tlale believes his performance against Egypt on Sunday showed why that international involvement has been valuable.

“Him being part of the Bafana Bafana goalkeeping department despite not being a first-choice keeper at Sundowns proved to be the right decision, judging by his performance against Egypt on Sunday. It’s gonna boost his confidence going forward,” said Tlale.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper also believes Goss’ experience and age mean he still has several seasons ahead of him. With the club set to play a large number of matches, Tlale expects Goss to receive his opportunity rather than remain limited to a reserve role.

“Like wine, goalkeepers mature with time. If he is 32 then it means he can play for another six years. Goss can play until 40 years of age. I retired at the age of 38.”

Goss’ return follows four seasons spent away from Mamelodi Sundowns on loan. The club’s decision to reject approaches from other PSL sides has kept him in a squad where Tlale expects the fixture schedule to create opportunities.

For Tlale, deputising for Williams offers Goss the chance to contribute at club level while continuing to build confidence with Bafana Bafana. His display against Egypt has strengthened the case for his involvement, while the demands of the season are likely to test the depth of Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalkeeping department.