Ghana goalkeeper Ofori returns to training after six-month absence

Ghana’s first choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori has returned to full fitness with his South African side Orlando Pirates after a six-month injury induced absence.

The Black Stars stop stopper is now fully ready to return to action following the extensive treatment he underwent while recovering from the injury, Orlando Pirates co-coach Davids Fadlu has revealed.

Ofori, who has played just three matches for the club this season because of the injury, was on the bench for the Soweto derby over the weekend as he is working his way back from the injury setback.

The 28-year-old suffered the a should injury while playing for the Ghana national team six months ago and needed an operation to help him return to fitness.

He suffered the setback while on duty for the team Black Stars in September last year and has been out of action since then.

Since his injury, Pirates have counted on Mpontshane who has played 27 gamesm, 23 conceded with 13 clean sheets which has made competition very keen at the club.

This means Ofori has to fight hard to dislodge Mpontshane from the starting position since the latter has been in good form since the Ghana international goalkeeper suffered his injury.

“Mpontshane has done extremely well, especially while we are in a crisis of not having goalkeepers available with Wayne being injured and not having a preparation time,” notes interim co-coach Fadlu Davids.

“In the beginning Ofori with his shoulder operation. Last week, we were hoping Ofori will be available for the Cape Town City match, and then it was a question of Ofori being available and having two training sessions before the derby, is it too soon or is it not (to play him).

“But that competition is there, and you have to look at the status of Ofori. How he is training and how he is looking. How many friendly matches he has had? He has passed the minimum standards and has had his rehabilitation plan and now it’s competition.

“Wayne Sandilands has been available over the last few matches and so all three are competing. Mpontshane has been playing and doing consistently well if you take the entire season into consideration.

“It’s his strong point not conceding many goals and many shots, so the goalkeeper has to be in the game when you are not seeing the ball for 20 or 30 minutes and then you are called upon to make one big save.

“That department is now fully fit, with all three competing for a place, and we will make a decision like we always do in every match for the next match,” explains Davids.

Ofori’s return to action bodes well for Pirates who are fourth in the league table with 32 points in 22 games and his presence will also be good for the Black Stars who have struggled in that area without him.