'I am in my prime as a keeper'

Age is just a number - at least according to veteran Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Brian Baloyi.

After a three-year absence from the international scene, the 34-year-old was this week recalled to the Bafana Bafana squad for their final 2010 African Nations Cup Group Four qualifier against Equatorial Guinea in Malabo on Saturday (kickoff 5pm).

So Baloyi, who won 23 caps for his country, is understandably delighted to be back and determined not to just make up the goalkeeping numbers. He wants to push the established first choice, Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs, all the way.

"I am in my prime as a keeper. Look at David James at Portsmouth. He is 38 and still going strong," he said.

"Most people in England thought James's international career was over when he joined Portsmouth (two seasons ago). But he bounced back with some brilliant performances for his club and was recalled to the England set-up. I believe I can do the same for Bafana." - Sapa