Former Bafana captain fends off Twitter ‘haters’
Dean Furman received backlash from Twitter after he was named in Stuart Baxter’s Bafana Bafana squad that will play in the four-nation tournament in Zambia between March 18-27.
Bafana Bafana’s Dean Furman. Picture: Refilwe Modise
The SuperSport United captain says he is likely to be less fancied by the supporters as he does not possess the typical South African flair.
“I am obviously not the most eye-catching player, I don’t have the skills and what many people believe is what they want from a player in this country. I don’t do the shibobos, I don’t score 30 yards screamers every week,” said Furman.
“I know that over the course of time there have been people who have been questioning me and that’s fine, it is up to me to go and prove them wrong. I offer something a little bit different to my team and over the course of time all of the coaches who I have been with (at Bafana) have managed to see that and they continue to select me,” he added.
READ: Baxter announces Bafana Bafana squad
Regardless of the overwhelming comments questioning his worthiness of a call-up, Furman is less bothered.
“I don’t read the backlash, it is not really a problem for me,” he insisted.
“What is important for me are the people around me and the people who have trust me. The coach has trust in me and that’s what is important than any sort of backlash to my call up. The coach selects the team based on who he thinks can do the job for them. Those are players who he trusts and has confidence in. If I am one of them then I am honoured.
“Opinions are everywhere in this game, everyone has an opinion and everyone wants to be a manager and everyone has their own view point and they’re entitled to that.
“I have to remain strong and not try to change my game to try impress people who don’t feel that I am worthy of a place in this team,” added Furman, who is closing in on 50 Bafana caps since his debut in 2012.
Think Furman is a very solid player – but with limitations. We should rather be grooming those that can offer his reliability plus extra. Would rather be "trying" to become a globally competitive nation than settling for "Furman". Patosi could be a huge asset for SA, agree.
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) March 14, 2018
Still wondering how come Furman was called for Bafana Bafana and captain fantastic didn't make it!!!!
— Mohapeloa (@Mohapeloa07) March 13, 2018
Bra Hlompo Kekana and Andile Jali are far better than Furman. Hlompo can score and defend while Jali can boss any midfielder in the world
— Joe Maswanganyi (@JoePiesang) March 13, 2018
Why didn't he replace Furman or Vilakazi with Memela? Arrogance!
— Shimane Tabane (@shimane79) March 13, 2018
