Keeper Pule will stay put

SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo said the thought process behind the decision to extend goalkeeper Boalefa Pule’s contract was to maintain a healthy relationship between his shot-stoppers at the club.

Pule’s deal was extended by four years, keeping him at the club until 2023.

“Pule (above) is a very good goalkeeper and he is also a fantastic professional, he works hard and he understands the role he plays. He understands that it is not easy for goalkeepers to make a break but he has been working for his chance to come and it will come if he keeps on working hard. That is why we decided to extend his contract,” Tembo told Saturday Citizen.

“He keeps Ronwen (Williams) on his toes and there is a good, healthy relationship in the goalkeeping department, which is what we want. The level that Ronwen is at is probably because of Pule’s contribution in terms of pushing him because he also wants to play. We all know that only one can play in that position and I am not a coach who loves chopping and changing, especially in the position of goalkeeper. Goalkeepers need confidence and if you don’t play them regularly, it becomes a problem,” he added.

It may prove to be difficult for the 30-year-old to dislodge Williams as the latter has been named club captain and to date, has played every single match from the start of last season.

“That is the life of a goalkeeper. If you ask me who the reserve goalkeeper at Liverpool is, I don’t even know him. Who are the reserve goalkeepers at Barcelona and Real Madrid? We all know about the number one goalkeepers,” the Matsatsantsa A Pitori mentor explained before he went on to say there is a possibility for Pule to get some game time.

“A lot of things happen in football. It is always great to have players who are competitive and he really works hard. He is well-respected.”