In our exciting feature, How I Became a Goalkeeper, KickOff catches up with current Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Pernell McKop on his start between the sticks.
McKop is an experienced goalkeeper coach who previously worked for clubs such as Cape Ubuntu, Bay United, Maritzburg United, Free State Stars and Santos.
"I remember I was maybe eight years old, my late father and his brother liked to kick a ball to me because I always liked being in goals.
"They used to take turns kicking the ball at me because I never got tired. But what inspired me was the 1972/73 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Sunderland on my grandmother's black and white TV. The Sunderland goalkeeper was outstanding. He was the Man of the Match.
"That set my mind on becoming a goalkeeper, which I did. When I was 15-years-old, I was already playing the equivalent of NFD football back home.
"By the time I was 17, I was already representing our senior national team in a tournament that is now known as the Cosafa Cup.
"I played for Highlanders FC, Zimbabwe Saints, and Arcadia United in the Super League."
"On TV, the guy who inspired me most was Bruce Grobelaar, and most so when he began playing for Liverpool.
"I watched Bruce back in Zimbabwe when we faced him in senior school. I was at a coloured school and Bruce was at a white school.
"Even though they would get hammered by our school 10-0 or 11-0, the most outstanding player in the team was always their goalkeeper Bruce who would be making unbelievable saves, and doing crazy things in goal like walking on his hands, summersaults and things like that.
"I said to myself, 'one day I want to be like this guy."
Who are some of the goalkeepers today who are your favourites?
"Abroad I'm the biggest admirer of Allison because I'm a Liverpool fan. I also loved Buffon.
"Locally it's all the goalkeepers I coached. Sage Stephens, Oscarine Masuluke and Lee Langeveldt are my favourites in the country.
"Masuluke is a work in progress, but he's got great potential, he is a very good goalkeeper."