The challenges of being a goalkeeper

GroundUp: Which teams have you played for?

Visagie: Bayhill United (amateur), Vasco da Gama, FC Hotspurs (Vodacom League) and Milano United FC (Vodacom League).

GroundUp: Who is your role-model?

Visagie: My mother. She’s a very respectful lady and raised and nurtured me into what I am today.

GroundUp: What are the challenges of being a goalkeeper?

Visagie: Good question (laughs). The challenge of this position is when your form is down and you’re battling to stay above the water. For example, on a particular day when your form is down and you concede silly goals, it makes you look foolish especially when your confidence is low. Your judgement and vocal ability to guide and lead should be great to counter any challenges in this role.

GroundUp: What is it like playing for Milano?

Visagie: Playing for Milano is a fantastic yet ecstatic feeling. After helping the team win the Western Cape Vodacom league in the 2011/12 season and also securing promotion to the National First Division (NFD) in Polokwane. I’m really honoured to be part of such an awesome community club. It’s my 2nd family when I’m away from home. I’m proud to be part of such an awesome heritage. When I arrived at Milano in 2012 I saw the opportunity to excel and prosper in my career and the hard work paid off as I now have the opportunity to play professional football in South Africa.

GroundUp: How long have you been paying for Milano?

Visagie: This is my second season with the club.

GroundUp: This weekend you played Jomo Cosmos in Johannesburg? How was it?

Visagie: It was a true mental test of character and ability. Absolutely intelligent football at this level, possibly football at its best. It’s always tough playing away from home or outside of Cape Town. The environment and vibe is not always the same as back home, so it does feel a bit unusual when you play at venues with different climates or altitudes. It was indeed a good experience that we can learn from.

GroundUp: If you could play for any club in the world which club would it be?

Visagie: This is always a tough question. I would love to be part of the European set up and play for a club like Sporting Lisbon.

GroundUp: Who is your favourite soccer player?

Visagie: My favourite player, without a doubt, is Lionel Messi.

GroundUp: Many people don’t know what the NFD is. Could you please explain?

Visagie: Well, the NFD which is an acronym for National First Division. It’s a football league below the PSL. It’s also run professionally and players earn the status of professional footballers. It’s very competitive indeed. You find many experiened players in this league from the PSL as well. In fact, you’re up against top quality opposition that are very structured, well disciplined and much more intelligent than the lower tier leagues in South Africa.