John Tlale: Reyaad Pieterse can challenge Denis Onyango at Mamelodi Sundowns

Former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper John Tlale has backed goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse, saying with more game time, he will get used to playing for the Brazilians.

Pieterse joined the reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions from SuperSport United at the beginning of the current season and will look to challenge the likes of Denis Onyango and Kennedy Mweene for the No.1 jersey.

“I think as a goalkeeper you need time to settle down in a new environment and I think he was under pressure in the first game to do well against AmaZulu,” Tlale told Goal.

“You know that Onyango is experienced and is a quality keeper and to replace him will not be easy, that is why he was nervous against AmaZulu,” said the former Bloemfontein Celtic keeper.

“Yes he committed some errors because he was a bit nervous. However, we all know his quality, he is not a bad keeper. He was just unfortunate, but they did not lose,” he noted.

Speaking about more game time and an opportunity to settle down, the Kroondstad-born legend also praised coach Pitso Mosimane for showing support to the young keeper as he managed to keep a clean sheet against Golden Arrows.

Moreover, Tlale also noted that Pieterse is not a bad signing for the Tshwane giants because he is still young and has a bright future.

“I think it is possible for him to challenge the two senior keepers because he is still young and the more he gets game time, he will grow in experience and confidence,” he asserted.

“Yes, I like what coach Pitso said after the match about him. Look there are many players who struggle when joining Sundowns,” commented the former Bafana Bafana keeper.

“For an example, (Sibusiso) Vilakazi. We know he is one of the best in the country, but he took time to find his rhythm at Sundowns,” he continued.

“Another exmple is Andile (Jali), we know his quality and Anele (Ngcongca). They struggled but Anele is now a regular and Jali will settle down and show us what we all know about him,” he said.

“I don't think a good player can become a bad player overnight. No, every player deserves a fair chance expcially in a new team,” concluded Tlale.