Kaizer Chiefs need a fully fit Itumeleng Khune

Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane believes that Itumeleng Khune still has a massive role to play at the club.

Injuries have hampered Khune’s efforts to reclaim the No 1 spot at Kaizer Chiefs.

Kaizer Chiefs need Itumeleng Khune

Khune looked like he was returning to favour before aggravating a groin injury earlier this season.

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Zwane is wary of losing a player of Khune’s experience to another club given his value on and off the pitch.

“You need a fit ‘Itu’ on and off the field,” Zwane said according to Herald LIVE.

“For simple reasons — because of his leadership qualities, the experience and what he has achieved as an individual, to help the likes of Bruce [Bvuma, Chiefs’ reserve keeper] and many other players.

“He’s a good example for us because you know the history of Itu and how it all started — he used to board a train from Carletonville to Orlando and so on.

“This is a guy who has achieved a lot — he has played in a World Cup [in 2010]. We need that, we need to tell his story.

“We want to help boys who come from a humble beginnings to learn about life and challenges.

“I’m someone who has the privilege to say I was in Brazil [in a stint at Santos when Zwane was 22] and saw how hard the upbringing is for the kids there. But most of them are multimillionaires today and adding value simply because of football.

“Itu’s leadership skills are second to none. A focused Itu will still play a huge role in making the players understand what it’s all about playing for a team of Kaizer Chiefs’ calibre, [and] for them to play sustainable football [through their careers].

“[And in] making them understand that if you are not focused, you are not going anywhere.”

Kaizer Chiefs host Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium on Saturday.