The first round of voting is open - it's finally here. After careful consideration, we have drafted the first shortlist of South African goalkeepers to be included in the first ever South African Hall of Fame.
Today we appreciate the mad men between the sticks who punch, parry, palm, kick and catch.
The last line of defense and the guardians of the net, without them, there would be no game.
I asked Banks Sethlodi, legendary Kaizer Chiefs Keeper what made a great goalkeeper, he had this to say:
"A great goalkeeper is not someone who can simply save or block shots, he is always in command. He is in charge, and organizes the rest of the team. Coaches always ask the advice of keepers because they see things no one else does. It's all about communication, the keeper must talk before he acts and must see the game unfold before it happens."
So here is the shortlist, please vote in the comments. If you think we have left anyone out of the shortlist then let us know. Not all these players can make the final Hall of Fame and there is less space for keepers than any other position, so choose wisely.
The Shortlist:
1.Arthur Rhyley
2.Arthur Lightning
3.Andre Arendse
4.Alan Watt
5.Albert Uytenbogaardt
6.Auberry Tyrrell
7.Brian Baloyi
8.Bruce Grobbelaar
9.Banks Sethlodi
10. Calvin Marlin
11. Cyprian Maimane
12. Deshi Bhaktawer
13. Dick Kemp
14. Dougy Rudham
15. Emile Baron
16. Farouk Abrahams
17. Frederick Mfeka
18. George Ryder
19. Gary Bailey
20. Henry Cele
21. Hans Vonk
22. Itumeleng Khune
23. John Tlale
24. Jackson Mabokgwane
25. Len Wilkinson
26. Moeneeb Josephs
27. Mark Anderson
28. Patson Banda
29. Rocco Smith
30. Roger De Sa
31. Rowen Fernandez
32. Spanner Hartman
33. Simon Gopane
34. Senzo Meyiwa
35. Steve Crowley
36. Trevor Gething
37. Welcome Jama
