Brian Baloyi blasts PSL clubs for neglecting local goalkeeper talent

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing shortage of locally based goalkeeping talent in South Africa’s top flight, warning that the lack of exposure for upcoming goalkeepers could pose a long-term problem for the national team.

South Africa has traditionally been well stocked in the goalkeeping department, with current Bafana Bafana number one Ronwen Williams regarded as one of the best talents in recent times and widely considered among the continent’s top shot-stoppers.

However, despite his presence and the other experienced performers in the Betway Premiership, Baloyi believes the bigger issue lies beneath the surface — the absence of young local goalkeepers coming through the ranks.

This season, approximately 50 per cent of goalkeepers who have seen regular action in the Betway Premiership are foreign nationals, a statistic Baloyi describes as worrying.

The concern is heightened by the fact that South Africa’s leading goalkeepers — Williams (33), Sipho Chaine (29), and Ricardo Goss (31), who are expected to be in contention for the 2026 World Cup — are either approaching 30 or already beyond that mark.

While promising young talent is emerging in most outfield positions, the former Chiefs keeper feels goalkeeping remains the one area where development is being neglected. The demands and pressure associated with the position, however, remain a significant barrier, often discouraging clubs from giving young goalkeepers meaningful opportunities at the highest level.

Speaking at a Hollywoodbets event where former Liverpool striker Michael Owen was unveiled as one of the company’s ambassadors, the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper shared his concerns with the current system.

“We have a South African problem at the moment,” Baloyi said.

“If you look at the PSL, close to 60 per cent of the clubs are playing foreign goalkeepers.

“It’s a problem that cannot be addressed by the PSL or the clubs alone, because both are businesses at the end of the day. They are focused on results and on finding players who are ready-made.”

Baloyi, who remains one of the most respected goalkeepers produced by the country, believes the commercial nature of modern football has created a gap between development structures and national interest.

“As much as there is talent coming through club development systems, that talent is often developed for the benefit of the club, not necessarily for the benefit of the country."

The 51-year-old added that the responsibility now lies with the South African Football Association (Safa) to intervene and put a clear development strategy in place.

“The people responsible for football development are Safa, and they need to come up with a proper plan and programme for goalkeeper development,” he continued.

“The PSL and the clubs want ready-made products. Nine times out of ten, especially at bigger clubs, the focus is on winning and immediate results. When you are running a business, you go with what works.”

Baloyi also highlighted the importance of Williams’ continued fitness and form, stressing how crucial the Mamelodi Sundowns captain will be for South Africa heading into the upcoming World Cup.

“Ronwen is 33, and he is our best goalkeeper by far. Between now and the World Cup, we have to pray that he doesn’t get injured.

"With all due respect to Chaine and Ricardo Goss, they are good goalkeepers, but at a World Cup you need a great goalkeeper.”