Itumeleng Khune unlikely to join Chiefs for pre-season prep

Veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is unlikely to be part of Kaizer Chiefs pre-season preparations – at least on the first day after sustaining a shoulder injury halfway through the 2018/19 campaign.

The 32-year-old was not part of the latter half of a disastrous campaign, where the once mighty Amakhosi finished a lowly ninth on the PSL log before being denied a chance at silverware by first division TS Galaxy.

The injury also denied the shot-stopper a chance at making the Bafana Bafana squad for the African Cup of Nations (Afcon), currently underway in Egypt.

In a statement issued out by Chiefs on Tuesday afternoon, an update on injured players, including Khune, defender Happy Mashiane and striker Nkosingiphile Ngcobo was provided, with the keeper said to be on the road to recovery.

“Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is progressing well on his journey back to fitness after a long absence due to a shoulder injury,” read a statement from the club.

“Happy Mashiane on the other hand is ready to resume training after a long absence due to a toe injury.

“Nkosingiphile Ngcobo is also making great progress as he works on his recovery from an Achilles injury but is not expected to join his teammates in full training during this pre-season.

“The medical team will assess the trio throughout the pre-season and give an update on their anticipated return and readiness to participate in competitive matches.”

Kiazer Chiefs

Meanwhile the club has confirmed the imminent released of two more players ahead of the new season.