Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt has admitted that Darren Keet’s failure to sign a new contract is the reason why the Bafana Bafana keeper has recently been on the sidelines.

Keet, who helped guide Bafana to Afcon with a standout performance against Libya in their final group game, is thought to be Stuart Baxter’s number one with Itumeleng Khune set to miss the tournament through injury.

However, since that performance Keet has lost his place in the Wits side to youngster Ricardo Goss with his last game coming on 30 March in the Nedbank Cup loss to Chippa United.

Though with Afcon nearing Hunt revealed that his decision to keep the shot stopper on the bench is based on Keet’s decision to not sign a contract which has forced Hunt to ‘think about the future of the club’.

‘It’s not like that here (management influencing the starting lineups on the field)‚’ Hunt said.

‘I’ve been told to do what’s best for the football club in the long-term‚ so what is best for the football club?

‘I haven’t been told not to play him (Keet) but I have been told to do what’s best for the football club. But don’t worry it’s not like that here (management telling coaches who to field)‚ otherwise I wouldn’t be here,’ added the Wits coach.

‘Look‚ the situation is that Darren hasn’t signed a new contract (with Wits)‚” said Hunt when quizzed about why his No1 was twiddling his thumbs on the bench.

‘His people and our people are still talking and there’s been no agreement. I’ve got to do what I have been told. ‘Do what’s best for the football club in the long-term’. So what’s best for the club‚ let’s make a decision.

‘Darren has been our number one and he is still our number one‚ but if you don’t want to stay you must play Goos now (in preparation for next season),; he concluded.

Photo: Kabelo Leputu/BackpagePix