UP-Tuks were left reeling after their 4-0 loss to UJ and nobody felt the sting more than goalkeeper Giovanni Idi – but he showed his class against NWU Mafikeng.
The former South Africa Under-20 goalkeeper shipped in four goals in what was their biggest loss to UJ in the history of Varsity Football.
Varsitysportssa.com reached out to find out how a goalkeeper bounces back from a performance that they would rather forget – as he did against NWU Mafikeng on Thursday evening.
Idi is the ultimate professional and his modus operandi after matches, is to return home as soon as possible so that he can reflect on the match, whether the team has won or lost.
“I got back from the match against UJ at midnight. As per usual, I could not sleep which is something that happens with a win or loss,” reveals the 19-year-old.
WATCH: See how Giovanni Idi was back to his best against NWU
“Obviously I was disappointed with my performance considering my form last year [when he claimed the overall Golden Glove award] but these things happen in football. I know what I need to do to rectify things and I have been working closely with management to fix any errors in my play.”
Idi understands that, as the goalkeeper, he is the last line of defence and the responsibility falls on him to ensure that he prevents as many of the attempted shots from finding their target. When disaster strikes, it is his teammates that help him to stand up again.
“I have to take responsibility as the team relies on me. Being a goalkeeper is an incredibly specialised job and it is critical to keep yourself motivated and to trust your abilities. I had one bad game in two seasons of Varsity Football. To be honest, my brothers on the pitch really helped to reassure me that they have full confidence in my abilities so that is comforting,” said the first year BEd: Senior Phase student.
Idi is convinced that UP-Tuks has the ability to go the distance – like they did in 2013, 2014 and 2017 – but the team is yet to hit their straps in this year’s edition of Varsity Football.
“We have an incredibly skilled squad and have the potential to lift the trophy once again. We have not capitalised on our chances and this has been the focus point of our team discussions.”
If anybody had any doubts about Idi’s ability to help the The Stripe Generation in their quest for a fourth title, then he dispelled them at NWU-Mafikeng Stadium. Idi, a former Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United youth player who’s currently registered with the university’s National First Division squad, produced three smart saves in the first half. He could do nothing about NWU’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw but rightfully claimed the Debonairs Real Deal Save of the Match award for his efforts.
“It was a much better performance… I think all the boys were digging deep today so I can’t really fault anybody and we’re all working for each other,” Idi told SuperSport TV diplomatically post-match.
By Dan Lombard
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