Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has announced his retirement from international football with South Africa.
The
32-year-old will no longer represent Bafana Bafana, following almost a
decade of service to the national team, most of which was spent as
back-up to first-choice Kaizer Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune.
While
many voices in the media have speculated that Josephs’ decision is as a
result of the competition between himself and the Amakhosi
shot-stopper, a statement released by the Cape Town-born player
maintained that injury and family commitments were the source of this
sudden change of heart.
“I have been fortunate to be a part of the
South African national football team for the past nine years. I have
represented South Africa on 22 occasions. On each of these occasions I
have been proud and honoured to represent our Rainbow Nation,” his
statement read.
“It is with a heavy heart, and after careful
consideration and discussion with both my family and manager, that I
have elected to retire from international football with immediate
effect.
“At the age of 32, keeping in mind the injuries that I
have sustained, together with my desire to prolong my career, and
considering the fantastic young goalkeepers in our country, I believe
that it is the correct time to ‘step aside’.
“In addition, I have
spent very little time with my family in recent years, and I believe
this decision will give me the opportunity to do so.”
Bafana’s
first-choice keeper at the 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament ended
his statement by wishing his former national team-mates luck in their World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia on June 1, and Botswana on June 9.
“I
would like to thank Safa and all the managerial coaching staff for the
honour and privilege they have afforded me by representing our national
soccer team,” he said.
“I wish Pitso (national coach Pitso Mosimane) and the boys all the very best in their upcoming qualifiers!”
