Soccer

I Want to be a Roo: Velaphi

Sunday 3rd January 2010

Author: Jack Barendse

Photographer:

Tando Velaphi wants to be a long term Socceroo.

The Perth Glory gloveman is setting his sights on a European move in the not too distant future that he hopes will help him achieve his long term goal of playing in the green and gold for Australia at the 2014 World Cup.

The Glory shot stopper has been in Dubai this week with the national side training under the watchful eye of coach Pim Verbeek in preparation for Australia’s Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait in January 7.

Although Velaphi is unlikely to make an appearance in the important Asian Cup qualifier, it has been the first time 22 year-old has been selected in a Socceroos squad after competing in the Olyroos Beijing Olympic’s team last year.

“There are a lot of young goalkeepers coming through.” Velaphi told the Sunday Times this week.

“There's heaps of young guys doing well and playing in European leagues and I've got to try and step up to their level (to play for Australia).”

Having won twelve caps for the Australian Under 20's and Under 23's teams, Velaphi's ambition is just the next step in his flourishing career.

Considered one of the best young talents in the country after forcing his way into the Perth squad after four seasons at the club, Velaphi is gaining confidence between the sticks that he struggled with earlier in his career.

His recent form earning him his first selection in the Australian national team.

Being amongst Australia’s elite talent during their training camp has been valuable experience that has had a positive effect on the youngster.

“When you come into your first camp there's always going to be a few nerves because you want to impress,” he said.

“But with a lot of A-League boys and the Olyroos boys that I've been with before, they've made me feel a bit more comfortable.”

Goal keepers are usually reach the peak of their career between the ages of 28 to 32 - Velaphi will be 27 when 2014 comes around.

If he can establish himself as the Socceroos number one, we may see him playing in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, one of which may be in Australia if a bid is successful.

But while Velaphi’s plans are grand, he still has one season left on his current Perth Glory contract and he knows that he is best served by getting regular football in the A-League before grasping any opportunity to move overseas.

“At the moment I think I'm best served in the A-League playing week in, week out,” he said.