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Keet can hang on to No 1 jersey

WHAT A WEEK: Darren Keet
WHAT A WEEK: Darren Keet

DARREN Keet is hoping his brilliant display against Nigeria on Wednesday will enhance his chances of being Bafana Bafana's first-choice goalkeeper at next year's Africa Cup of Nations.

As Bafana clung on against Nigeria in Uyo, Keet produced some good saves early on in the game that finished 2-2 at the Akwa Ibom Stadium.

Twice the 25-year-old shot stopper had to come off his line to deny Nigeria's star player Ahmed Musa and he commanded his area well.

Maybe now, after years of being in and out of the team, the time has come for Keet to be the national team's first-choice shot stopper, even if Kaizer Chiefs' Itumeleng Khune is fully fit.

"I have always wanted to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Bafana Bafana. I would love to play at the Cup of Nations. There is nothing better than playing for your country," said Keet.

"I have been in and out of the team for six years now. I got my chance now and hopefully I have done enough for the coaches to pick me in future," the former Bidvest Wits man, who now plays in Belgium, added.

Coach Shakes Mashaba said Keet was the team's best player against the Super Eagles. Mashaba is spoilt for choice in the goalkeeping department, with the likes of Ronwen Williams, Siyabonga Mpontshane and Brilliant Khuzwayo also pushing for a spot in the team.

"In the dressing room I named him the man of the match. He stopped five or six sure goals and saved us from a heavy defeat. Let's hope it will spur Darren on," said Mashaba.

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