Sandilands’ faith keeps him going
PRIOR to his exclusion from the 27-man squad that will be participating in the Caf Champions League from next month, disappointed Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands claimed that “God orders his steps, and controls his life’’.
It hasn’t been a good start for Sandilands at Pirates this season, as he has had to kick his heels in the stands a couple of times in domestic football after being dropped due his blunder against Highlands Park in the season-opener.
“It was disappointing but like I said before, God orders my steps and He’s in control of my life,”Sandilands said, after inspiring the reserves to a 2 -1 win over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. “It’s just a matter of being humble and submissive because I know that it’s about Him at the end of the day.”It’s been four months since that howler against Highlands at Orlando Stadium, but it’s seemingly still fresh on everyone’s mind as Jackson Mabokgwane and Siyabonga Mpontshane have interchanged the number one jersey in the first team so far; with Sandilands demoted to the reserves. Furthermore, he’s likely to be completely out of the picture especially with Brilliant Khuzwayo’s return to full-fitness imminent.
“Obviously, it was a mistake and it happens in football with players all around the world,”Sandilands explained. “I don’t read too much into that, but I won’t lie to you, it is difficult to cope with the mockery. I don’t go to social media and read what people say because it’s up to them to say what they want. It’s important for me to keep focus and work hard.”
The 35-year-old shot-stopper has spent at least four-full seasons with each of his two previous clubs, defunct Plantinum Stars – now known as Cape Umoya United – and Mamelodi Sundowns. However, with the turn-around of events since his arrival at Pirates 18 months ago, he also acknowledged that his stint with the club might have to be shortlived.
“The club have to decide because I am contracted to them,” Sandilands said. “It might happen, there might be offers and if the club is willing to release me, I’ll consider it.”
Although he was the man of the match in the reserves league’s Soweto derby on Sunday, he’s likely not to make the match-day squad when the Soweto derby duel continues with the senior teams in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals on Saturday.
However, the lad from Benoni has backed the team to continue with their impressive form.
“Nobody needs to be motivated of a game like that because the team has been really doing well of late. We just have to keep our tactics and principles,” he concluded.
@Mihlalibaleka