From the bench to the Soweto Derby?

With goalkeeping being such a unique position in that whoto ever is second choice has wait for his chance knowi ng that he may be called upon in case of injury or suspension on the part of the first choice, it means a lot of patience and focus is required. Many keepers the world over have gone on to enjoy fulfilling careers having come from such scenarios. For Melusi Buthelezi, in particular, it must have been hard finding himself being number one at TS Galaxy the one minute, subsequently attracting interest from a big side like Orlando Pirates, only to have to sit on the bench and at times in the standsoncehegottoJohanne sburg. But such is the life of the one who wears the gloves. And when Sipho Chaine got injured in the early stages of the Carling Knockout Last 16 encounter against Cape Town Spurs last Friday, the Nquthu-born lad would have known that his moment in the spotlight had aron rived. To his credit, he went to handle himself well between the sticks, helping the team to a clean sheet. Of particular interest though is the timing of these developments. Having started and kept another clean sheet in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against AmaZulu FC in the league, it means he is a shoo-in for a start against Spurs in another DStv Premiership encounter on Wednesday, prior to the cup quarterfinal against Richards Bay FC. Two big performances in those games and… a place in the Soweto Derby starting line-up is almost guaranteed! How fortunes can quickly change in football. What’s more, a big derby performance may have Chaine worri ed about regaining his position once he recovers from his knee injury. It’s make-orbreak time for Buthelezi, for sure!