Etafia comes out of retirement, signs for Highlands

Highlands head coach Owen Da Gama asked the 36-year-old former Moroka Swallows goal-minder to step in after running short of goalkeepers during the preseason.

“He has not conceded a goal in pre-season friendlies. He has been phenomenal and when (Tapuwa) Kapini went for an operation, we needed somebody and he was there and then we signed him,” said Da Gama.

READ: Sundowns goalkeeper completes Highlands switch

“Watch the space, he is there to push Kapini, Thela and Heugh Marlon. It might sound like a joke but he is incredibly doing well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Da Gama believes newly-signed goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni can compete for a place in Bafana once he gets on top of his game.

“Thela is not where he is supposed to be. We think Thela is not at his best but he is so much quality that in the next season he will one of the best goalkeepers in the league. He will challenge for Bafana because he is suddenly in an environment where he knows he can get better.”

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