Vries: Taking it game by game
9 October 2014
Despite having been increasingly entrusted with a starting place in the Maritzburg United side, goalkeeper Virgil Vries knows not to take anything for granted.
Vries’ hard work on the training ground has seen head coach Steve Komphela giving the Namibian more and more game time in between the poles for the Team of Choice, and he has repaid the confidence shown in him with some breathtaking saves and outstanding performances.
But with Shu-aib Walters breathing heavily down Vries’ neck to try and win back his place in the starting XI, the former Golden Arrows goal-minder knows there is no room for complacency and that his place is never guaranteed.
“I don’t see myself as the first choice goal keeper, but I rather take things game by game. I still have areas of my game that I must improve, and so it’s about working hard, giving my all at training, and always being ready life called upon,” he told maritzburgunited.co.za.
Vries, who has started five games this season, believes that Komphela’s rotational policy is getting the best out of him.
“The coach knows that he has two good keepers at his disposal, and he’s shown us that he is willing to give us both a chance. It’s all about what you do with your chance, trying to do your best at all times to hold on to that jersey. It’s not so much about pressure though, it’s about going out and enjoying yourself on the field.”
With more additional game-time, the 23-year-old is also benefitting from a good understanding with the players directly in front of him, as he explains:
“Wer’e getting there in terms of a defensive unit. We know what the coach wants from us, and we are working hard towards getting there. The games we have lost have only been by a single goal margin. The guys in front of me are forming a good partnership and it gives you as a keeper a lot of security when you have players doing well in front of you, and when you are all on the same page in terms of understanding each other.”
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