Durban City goalkeeper Frederick Asare says he is fully prepared to take over the club’s number one jersey following the retirement of experienced shot-stopper Darren Keet at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Keet brought an end to an accomplished professional career after helping the Citizens secure the Nedbank Cup title, leaving a significant void between the posts. Asare, who joined the club from Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, spent much of the season working his way back from injury before making a strong impression when given an opportunity late in the campaign.
The Ghana international believes Keet has set a high benchmark at the club and says he is ready to embrace the responsibility that comes with becoming the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
“I’m already prepared for a big challenge because I already stated that Keet has raised the bar. We know Darren Keet in South Africa, and coming in behind him, I think that’s something good. I am ready for the challenge going into next season. I’m staying positive, very calm, and whatever I have learned, I think I’m going to implement it next season and do whatever I can to take the number one position,” said Asare as quoted by SABC.
Keet officially called time on his playing career following Durban City’s successful Nedbank Cup campaign, bringing the curtain down on a journey that spanned more than a decade at the highest level.
Having shared a dressing room with the former South African international, Asare adds that the experienced goalkeeper’s leadership, professionalism and daily approach to training offered valuable lessons.
Asare’s first season in Durban was far from straightforward after a serious injury ruled him out for the opening six months of the campaign. The setback delayed his integration into the squad and forced him to spend a lengthy period on the sidelines while working towards full fitness.
Despite the frustration of being unavailable, the goalkeeper remained focused and eventually earned his opportunity in the closing stages of the season. Asare credits the club’s medical team, technical staff and teammates for helping him through a difficult spell and ensuring he returned ready to perform.
Soon after making his debut, Asare delivered one of his standout performances of the season against Orlando Pirates in May, producing a series of crucial saves and keeping a clean sheet to frustrate the Soweto giants during the final stretch of the title race.
The 26-year-old says he had been eager for the challenge after watching the first-round encounter from the stands and was determined to make the most of his opportunity when it arrived. With a full pre-season ahead and valuable experience now behind him, Asare believes both he and Durban City can reach even greater heights in the upcoming campaign.
