Bafana Bafana's Ricardo Goss talks about the beautiful game, staying fit and how he went from striker to goalkeeper.
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Stuart Ricardo Goss, who is currently on loan at SuperSport United from Mamelodi Sundowns, shares his dreams and talks about life on and off the field.
Inspiration: Who were your role models and sources of inspiration growing up, both in football and in life?
Ricardo: Brian “Spiderman” Baloyi was my inspiration. I admired his style so much that I wanted to have dreadlocks like him, but being a person of color, my hair texture is different.
As captain he wore a bandana as an armband and it inspired me to do the same. Iker Casillas also inspired me with his incredible skill in reading the game.
The Beginnings: Tell us about your soccer journey, when did you know you wanted to pursue a career as a goalkeeper specifically?
Ricardo: I wouldn't say I always planned to be a goalkeeper, as I grew up I started playing as a striker.
I started out as a goalkeeper in my hometown of Chesterville, playing as a striker and teaching my family how to play goalkeeping – I used winter gloves at the time.
Training plan: Can you walk us through a typical training day? How do you stay in tip-top physical condition? How is training different as a goalkeeper?
Ricardo: I train every day. Staying in top physical condition is essential for us. I'm not afraid to do extra training after team training. Diet is also important, so I'm very careful about what I eat.
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CAREER HIGHLIGHT: What has been the most memorable moment in your football career so far and why?
Ricardo: There are two memorable moments, the first was when I was named in the CAF Team of the Week while playing for Sundowns and the second was when I received the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Life/Career Balance: How do you balance your professional career with your personal life and time for your family?
Ricardo: Taking care of myself is my number one priority. Maintaining my physical health will help me advance my career while I’m in Johannesburg during the season. During the off-season, I return to my home in KZN to spend quality time with my family.
Diet & Nutrition: How important is food to your training and what does your daily meal plan look like?
Ricardo: Diet is crucial for any professional athlete and is extremely important as it aids in recovery.
I don't eat breakfast, only lunch and dinner, sometimes with a cappuccino. After training I have a big lunch and a light dinner.
Challenges: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career so far and how did you overcome it?
Ricardo: I faced two big challenges: the first was a grade 2 hamstring injury, which was tough to overcome at first because I was scared that I would injure myself again when I returned to the pitch.
The second challenge was the lack of game time at Sundowns, which I addressed through a loan deal with SuperSport United.
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Mental Preparation: How do you mentally prepare for big matches, especially tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations? Do you have any pre-match rituals or routines?
Ricardo: “Our preparation remains consistent for every match, whether it's against Brazil or a smaller team. We analyze the opponent's playing style and the condition of the ground beforehand. Visualization is key. We visualize the match before we take to the field.”
Off the field: What are your hobbies and interests outside of football?
Ricardo: I enjoy reading, hiking and go-karting with my family. Since I only have a limited amount of time to spend with them during the season, the off-season is a precious time to reconnect with them.
Future Plans: What are your future goals and aspirations both in football and outside of it?
Ricardo: One of my goals is to develop the next generation through my foundation. By providing resources and support, I hope to help the youth of Chesterville pursue a variety of careers beyond just soccer.
Your experience: What does it mean to you to play for the national team, Bafana Bafana?
Ricardo: My first cap for Bafana Bafana was against Lesotho during the COSAFA. It was a surreal moment. I couldn't believe I had been called up. Playing in the Africa Cup of Nations is a dream come true.
It is an honour and a privilege to represent my country.
It's every athlete's dream to play for their country and it has allowed me to see the world and experience places I never imagined possible. Bafana Bafana represent the pinnacle of football in our country and I think anyone would be thrilled to be called up.
Originally provided by Kasi Nerds
