Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs warms up before the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on 27 August 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs news: Khune ruled out of TKO semi
Do not expect to see goalkeeping stalwart, Itumeleng Khune in the starting XI when Kaizer Chiefs take on Maritzburg United in the Telkom Knockout.
Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs warms up before the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on 27 August 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Despite being declared fit to travel with Kaizer Chiefs to Nelspruit, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will not feature in the Telkom Knockout semi-final against Maritzburg United, according to coach Ernst Middendorp.
The veteran shot-stopper has been out of action since September, and was eyeing a comeback in the crucial cup fixture.
No Kaizer Chiefs start for Khune
His return would have been a welcome one for the Khosi faithful, after the club lost Nigerian international, Daniel Akpeyi to suspension before the international break.
“Ahead of their trip to Nelspruit for the Telkom Knockout Cup on the weekend, Itumeleng Khune is medically fit and has joined the team in full training,” the club said via its website on Friday.
“Khune has been recovering from a groin injury he picked up in the game against Baroka FC in September.”
Ernst Middendorp
However, according to the German mentor, Khune has not travelled with the team, as he is not yet ready to feature in the starting XI.
“Now we’re busy getting him (Khune) to be match ready. Kearyn Baccus recovered a two weeks ago. We’ve been working on him to be match and now is available for selection.
“All in all, we are looking forward to a tough match. Let’s see how it goes during the match. We know It is going to be an interesting game of football, but most importantly we want to be in the finals.”
Ernst Middendorp
This means that 24-year old Bruce Bvuma will more than likely feature between the sticks, with Brylon Petersen set to take up a spot on the bench.
Itumeleng Khune injury woes
After spending a good decade as the mainstay in the Kaizer Chiefs goal, Khune has been nigh anonymous in the past year.
The 32-year-old has only made one full appearance in 2019 – keeping a clean sheet against AmaZulu in September.
This was after a shoulder injury suffered in November 2018 kept him out of action for the rest of the previous season, also missing out of Bafana Bafana’s recent Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
He returned as a surprise starter against Usuthu on Heritage Day, and guided his side to a 2-0 victory at King Zwelithini Stadium.
However, he was soon back on the injury list after hurting his groin just 28 minutes into the very next match against Baroka
