February ready to challenge Khune

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Jody February of Ajax Cape Town before the Absa Premiership 2015/16 game between Ajax Cape Town and Polokwane City at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town on 12 September 2015 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
  • Post published:August 1, 2016

South Africa’s U23 goalkeeper Jody February is eager to challenge Bafana Bafana stopper Itumeleng Khune for a starting berth at Rio 2016.

The experienced Khune has been added to the mix as one of the sides overage players, a controversial selection by coach Owen Da Gama given February played a key role in helping South Africa qualify for the Olympics.

The 20-year-old Ajax Cape Town star has welcomed the challenge, however.

‘To be honest with you, I took it as a challenge as it came,’ February told Goal.
‘Depending on the situation, normally I use such situations to psych myself up because it helps me take my game to another level I guess.

‘But I am embracing the situation and I am looking forward to the challenge.’

February is expecting to challenge Brendon Petersen for the gloves at Ajax this season, with the young goalkeeper’s emergence having allowed the club to negotiate the sale of Anssi Jaakkola.

‘Those [Anssi’s] are big shoes to fill my man,’ February admitted.

‘Right now my focus is solely on Rio and I am not thinking about anything outside, but if I am given a chance by the club, I will take it with both hands,’ he added.

South Africa face the daunting prospect of Brazil in their opening game of Rio 2016 on August 4.

The match kicks off at 09:00 SA time at the Mane Garrincha Stadium, Brasilia.