Greg Etafia has been based in South Africa for over a decade, playing for Moroka Swallows in the Premier Soccer League. The goalkeeper chats to SL10 about his long stay in the Southern part of the continent and also pays tribute to former teammate, Joseph Yobo, who has recently announced his retirement from international football after getting 100 caps with the Super Eagles.
What’s your assessment of the Super Eagles’ performance at the World Cup in Brazil?
I think the team gave their best and were unlucky to meet a very good French side in the last 16. We should remain positive and look forward to the future because I feel there is a big room for improvement.
The future of Stephen Keshi as the coach remains uncertain. Would you like to see him remain at the helm?
Of course, he has done very well since taking over as the coach of our national team and we are all praying that he continues because the results are there for everyone to see. Everything is in the hands of the FA to decide if he is still the right man to lead the team going forward.
What did Keshi bring coaching the Nigerian national team?
He is a very special tactician. He believes in discipline and that is why he has succeeded everywhere he has coached. He captained Nigeria during his playing days and knows what it is like wearing the colours of a country, that is why he demands respect from the players all the time.
Which were your best moments while with the national teams?
Playing at the 2000 Olympics with the Under-23 side in Australia will rank among some of my best moments with the national team. I was also part of the Super Eagles squad that played in 2004 Africa Cup of Nations. I must say, it was an honour for me to play with world class players such as Joseph Yobo, Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, and many more who were part of the team in those years.
Talking of Joseph Jobo, he has recently announced his retirement from international football. What can you say about him?
Yobo has been great for Nigeria. He started at a very young age playing for the team. He has played in big leagues and served our country so well and deserves to be mentioned among Super Eagle’s legends. Not many players get to captain the Nigerians and him having been given that role speak volumes about his abilities as a player.
Coming to your own career, how have you managed to play for so long in a foreign country?
I think the key to everything is to remain humble, and working hard.
Moroka Swallows and South Africa have been very good to me and I must thank all the coaches and players who helped me settle.
Who has had a big influence in your career since you started playing?
Emmanuel Babayaro, who is the older brother of former Eagles Star, Celestine. He has been like a father to me from my days playing for Lobi Stars in Nigeria until now. He has done a lot for me and remains involved in my career up to now. Credit should also go to Gavin Hunt who spotted and signed me after only a week having trials with Swallows. He had been following me for a long time and was impressed with my performance at the 2000 Olympics which played a big part in him signing me.
Lastly, how long do you plan to continue playing and what do you still hope to achieve?
I would love to win the league with Swallows and a few more trophies.
At 31, I feel like I have just started, and I’m enjoying my football with the team. Usually for us goalkeepers, we play until late 30s or early 40s and I would like to continue with that trend as long as my body still allows me to perform.
