kaizer chiefs

Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs during Kaizer Chiefs Media Day on 13 February 2020 at Kaizer Chiefs Village, Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs news: Khune admits difficulty in returning to the first team

Itumeleng Khune has only made three appearances for Kaizer Chiefs since the start of the season.

kaizer chiefs

Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs during Kaizer Chiefs Media Day on 13 February 2020 at Kaizer Chiefs Village, Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune would have been used to walking back into the team after a spell on the sidelines, but it has not been the case of late.

The 32-year-old has put his injury issues behind him, but has spent the bulk of his time back in the substitutes bench, thanks to Nigerian international Daniel Akpeyi, who has maintained his spot as first-choice option.

Khune delighted with return to action

Khune was, however, back under the posts during Amakhosi’s most recent outing, making only his third appearance of the season.

The Bafana shot-stopper has admitted that Akpeyi has not made it easy for him to reclaim the gloves.

“It felt great to be back in the mix and the guys and supporters welcomed me with open arms,” Khune told the media on Thursday.

“I have been working very hard to get back into the team but Daniel has not made it easy for me. But he deserves all my support because at the end of the day we want to achieve as a team.

“And whoever gets the nod will get our full support. That’s what Daniel has been getting from me and the entire goalkeeping department.”

Itumeleng Khune

Healthy competition at Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs are in a privileged position of having two of the continent’s best goalkeepers in their ranks.

Akpeyi is Nigeria’s incumbent, with 16 caps to his name, while Khune is South Africa’s most capped keeper in history with 91 international appearances.

The former Bafana captain believes the competition between himself and Akpeyi can only be good for the team.

“I think it is always good to give coaches a good headache on who to start and who to have on the bench,” he continued.

“But every time we play matches and we get told that we are not in the starting XI we take it as professionals and give out support to those who deserve and starting.

“We just have to continue performing at training. We have to understand that only 11 are allowed on the field with just one goalkeeper.” 

Itumeleng Khune

Despite not having conceded a goal this season, Khune is expected to be back on the bench, with Akpeyi returning to the starting XI in Kaizer Chiefs’ next outing.

They welcome Maritzburg United to FNB Stadium in a league clash kicking off at 18:00 (SAST) on Saturday.