There is a name on almost everyone among the Ghost Ship faithful's lips – Filipe Ovono. The 23-year-old goalkeeper made two blunders in Orlando Pirates' opening games of the campaign, resulting in unnecessary goals being conceded. The debate about how to handle the matter is one that rages on among the supporters.
Many have urged the footballing fraternity and the media to exercise patience with the goalkeeper, particularly given his young age. However, there are those on the other side of the argument, who think that, at such a high level of professional football and with such a large salary, there is no need to protect the player's feelings as he is paid to perform and not to be emotionally protected. Also, what makes the issue more contentious is that Ovono's presence in the team fills up one of the few foreign quota spots available to Pirates.
A source at Mayfair recently stated that Ovono was struggling mentally after being placed on the transfer list and then taken off again.
"My question is: what is the use of bringing an international player if he doesn't bring better service than the ones we have? Pirates is not a driving school, let's give other keepers a chance." – Jomba4
"Ovono must be loaned out, most teams in the PSL would like to have such a goalkeeper. We have no time for young kids to learn for so long here at Bucs. Last season was 'dololo' and now you want us to go another season trophyless. NO NO NO!" – Magebhula Sokzin
"He should've been more motivated and eager to prove himself after being taken off the transfer list. Orlando Pirates do not pay him to have mood swings, but pay him to give his best performance every time given a chance, and he has failed to do so." – digga loader
However, there are those with a more balanced view who see that no one is without mistakes, and there are many fingers to point when questioning Pirates' blunders, and not all of them can point solely to one man.
"Amazing that some still remember Ovono's mistakes made mid-season last year but fail to remember the number of goals we conceded in our league & cup games in Ovono's absentia. You guys are hypocrites, turning a blind eye on other mistakes but dwell on one? Even our defence is not a solid one, but our Ovono has to be a scapegoat? I disagree. Yes, our Ovono made a blunder but which goalie is perfect? How do you think he felt after the game? Jovial maybe? Don't u think he's busy reshaping himself for better performances in the future? Come on guys, let's not do this to this son of African soil. If you will dwell much on what soccer commentators say about players, you will end up hating all your players and that will prove you lack backbone and can't critically analyse games using your own brains." – Sanchez Alexis
Should Ovono be given more chances?
