Goss: I am writing my own story

Mamelodi Sundowns loanee Ricardo Goss is relishing the opportunity to finally make the number-one jersey his own now that he has reunited with coach Gavin Hunt at SuperSport United.

The two clubs have agreed that goalkeeper Goss move on an unconventional two-year loan deal, after which his Downs future will be re-assessed.

He joined Sundowns in 2020 following the shock sale of Bidvest Wits - one of the oldest clubs in the Premier Soccer League™s history - where he worked closely with Hunt at the time and was also on the Bafana Bafana radar.

But two seasons in Chloorkop have felt like a waste, with Goss playing cover for Denis Onyango, Kennedy Mweene and Reyaad Pieterse.

œIt obviously feels good, not to say I feel more important but the team needs me, the coach has confidence in me and so does the team as a whole. I am happy to be back playing," Goss said in an interview with SABC Sport.

"It was really hard, really tough but I have overcome that and this is a different platform for me. It™s time to prove myself - no pressure, but just to show what I can do and my qualities."

When the Brazilians signed current Bafana number-one Ronwen Williams for SuperSport, it was clear that Goss was even further down the pecking order.

"He is obviously a brilliant goalkeeper, an even better guy off the field. I respect him and what he has done for this club, the longest-serving player, but for me it is to come in and show what I can do. I want to write the Ricardo Goss story, to do the best that I know I can do," he added.

"You know coach Gavin Hunt. I worked with him before, he likes to fight and he has made me like that. I always want to have a go at everyone and keep them on their toes because we need some silverware this season. I am loving football again, and it™s a different feeling being an underdog.

Goss does admit that going on loan for two years is strange but, if it means regular game time, he will take it as he looks to claw his way back into coach Hugo Broos' reckoning.

œI think it™s very unusual, but it is good to come to a team that you can see needs you and appreciates you. I will give the best I can in these two seasons," he said.

"I am not going to lie, I feel like it is every South African player™s dream to be in the national team and I want to be back there. I don™t want to downplay it. I want to fight for that number one, the goalminder explained.

By Mazola Molefe