Despite reiterating his stance that Itumeleng Khune was not yet ready to play prior to the Stellenbosch game, Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane was sin
Despite reiterating his stance that Itumeleng Khune was not yet ready to play prior to the Stellenbosch game, Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane was singing a different tune after the match, revealing what he wants to see more of from the experienced goalminder.
Khune rolled back the clock, proving that class is permanent as he was at his classic best in the penalty shoot-out win in an MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The encounter ended 1-1 after extra time, and Khune was the hero as he saved two penalties to ensure Chiefs booked a place in the semi-finals, with Zwane stating that the veteran is still a valuable member of the team.
“We needed to give Itu an opportunity because he has been working very hard, but also I wanted him to show a little bit of hunger and that desire because a fully fit Itu can give you a lot of things on the field,” Zwane said via the PSL media department after he gave Khune his first start for Chiefs since August 2021.
“He [Khune] can lead the team, can inspire a lot of youngsters. If he becomes a good example, then he makes our lives easy and fortunately against Stellenbosch, he came to the party after quite some time, as he didn’t play for a long time.
“I think he showed his leadership skills and commitment, and also he led the team well at the back, even though he could have done better in some instances. He kept us in the game and made a very good save, so it is good to have him back, and we are looking forward to seeing Itu, that showed his hunger.
“This is the Itu that I know, the Itu that I want to see, and this is the Itu that I want to see going forward. Not only for now, but going forward, because this is a team of youngsters; we have assembled a young team with few senior members.
“Itu will play a prominent role to help these boys to settle in quickly and be able to do well and showcase their talents and express themselves properly. We are there for him, to help him boost his confidence because we know how important he is to the club," Zwane added.
COMMENTS