Kaizer Chiefs to bring back Itumeleng Khune against AmaZulu?

Kaizer Chiefs are facing a goalkeeping and defensive crisis ahead of their Sunday’s league match away to AmaZulu.

And that’s because three of their players are suspended after being shown red cards in the last two competitive matches.

Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was slapped with a red card while on the bench in Amakhosi’s 2-2 draw with TS Galaxy in midweek so was Edmilson Dove.

Given Msimango was red-carded in that 5-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, meaning Chiefs have to again make changes at the back.

COULD KAIZER CHIEFS BRING KHUNE BACK?

Now, with Petersen out for the next two games through suspension, Chiefs have Bruce Bvuma, Itumeleng Khune and Bontle Molefe available.

Molefe is yet to make his professional debut while Khune hasn’t been in the team since December 2023 despite his return from a three-month suspension.

With Chiefs desperate to finish in the top-eight, Cavin Johnson could be forced to bring Khune back for the next two games to ensure there’s enough experience and depth on the bench.

Of course, Khune is unlikely to start ahead of Bvuma given his lack of match fitness but the latter has conceded seven goals in two goals which is alarming.

But his presence on the bench could mean a lot to the dejected squad and those who have been calling for his return to the Chiefs team.

Khune’s last competitive match was in January 2024 when featured for the Carling All Stars against Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Cup.

And he did brilliantly well for a goalkeeper who had not been training with his Chiefs teammates due to that suspension.

PETERSEN’S RED CARD A BLESSING IN DISGUISE?

Khune’s fans would see Petersen’s red card as a blessing in disguise as their favourite goalkeeper may get to at least play one more game before saying goodbye.

It is public knowledge that Khune is in his final season with Chiefs as per their statement released when he was offered an extension.

And if Johnson doesn’t bring him back, Khune may bow out without even saying goodbye to his followers and entire Chiefs fan-base.

He served the Glamour Boys with distinction since making his debut in August 2007, and perhaps he deserves one more game to bow out in style.

It is unclear whether there are talks behind the scenes or not regarding Khune’s possible stay as a player but he has been offered to stay in a non-playing capacity.

However, whether or not Khune is ready to retire remains to be seen given his public comments in the past.

Nonetheless, Khune has already started preparing for life without football as he recently acquired a certificate in goalkeeper coaching.