The Sunday Independent

Khune’s hunger questioned ahead of new season

MIHLALI BALEKA

ITUMELENG Khune’s difficulties in the past few seasons are well documented, but he is still one of South Africa’s beloved footballers, having so far amassed over 172 000 votes from fans for a starting berth in the Carling Black Label Cup.

That tally means that he’s the player with the most votes from either Soweto giant, his club Kaizer Chiefs and arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. But the big question is whether Khune still has the burning desire to return to his best form for Amakhosi?

Khune had a disappointing outing in domestic football last term. Despite numerous starts between the sticks, he was his own enemy. The 34-year-old’s record was ruined after he conceded soft goals and made blunders in the league and cup competitions.

Injuries also derailed his progress. That pushed him down the pecking order, with Bruce Bvuma and Daniel Akpeyi competing for the number 1 jersey. But it was the latter that stood head and shoulders above his counterparts late last term.

The club’s legendary goalkeeper William “Cool Cat” Shongwe believes that Bvuma deserves to be the team’s number 1 next season, while he questions Khune’s hunger to compete for the top spot.

“Khune has had his own disappointments.

But I think it will be good for him if he stays. Hopefully, he’ll know that hey, 'I can still wrestle this thing out. And also, I am ready to cover for this young man (Bvuma) when the opportunity avails itself’,” Shongwe said.

“The only question, though, is whether Khune is prepared to put in the work at training? While he could be viewed as the No 2 or what, but when a situation arises where he has to come in, he’s got to be ready to do the business like he has done in the previous seasons.”

With Khune all but guaranteed to start between the sticks in the ninth edition of the ‘Beer Cup’ at an empty Orlando Stadium next Sunday (5pm kick-off), that might offer him the much needed motivation he needs in order to start the new term in high spirits.

After all, Khune will know that he has a history and reputation to preserve in a professional career that has spanned for almost a decade and a half. His international experience is also decorated – he has 91 caps for Bafana Bafana.

“He’s had a glorious career,” Shongwe said. “Khune is one of the few players in the country who’ll say ‘I played in the World Cup when it was hosted at home’. That for me is the cream on top of the cake. But you also don’t want to end your career in a bad way.”

Shongwe continued: “People tend to remember your last few games, and forget about your glorious career. Whatever he does now, he must be careful that he doesn’t spoil all the credibility that he’s built. That’s why I hope that he’ll get back to his best.”

Chiefs have also bolstered their goalkeeping department with the signing of 26-year-old Brandon Peterson ahead of the new season. But Peterson, just like Khune and Akpeyi, will have to wrestle for the number 1 jersey with Bvuma, according to ‘Cool Cat’.

SPORT

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2021-07-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-07-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thesundayindependent.pressreader.com/article/281908776172309

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