Khune rallies Chiefs' star-struck newbies

Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has suggested that some of his teammates are still finding it difficult to meet the demands of playing for the big brand that is Amakhosi.

Speaking during the media open day session at the Chiefs Village in Naturena this morning, Khune said the club™s slow start to the season was a result of some players still trying to settle at Chiefs.

Amakhosi are currently placed 14th on the log, with only eight points from seven matches.

œIt™s affecting me badly because I think every player has his a role and responsibility to play in making sure that the club goes back to the glory days, he said of the poor form œBut I think for now a lot of us are still - I don™t know whether to call it star-struck or don™t ™believe we are finally playing for Kaizer Chiefs because have not come out of our shell. That™s something we need to realise, that we are at Kaizer Chiefs and start performing like a Kaier Chiefs player because the fans demand the result; they demand consistency and that™s something we need to realize and improve on as individuals.

Amakhosi host SuperSport United at the FNB Stadium on Saturday night (8pm) and Khune should once again be in goals having regained the number one jersey when he returned to action in the MTN8 victory at Stellenbosch FC a fortnight ago. He had uncharacteristically been out in the cold for nearly all of last season during which he played a single match.

The former Bafana Bafana number one says not once during that period did he ever think his Amakhosi career was over.

œIt has never crossed my mind. I knew that when I got my opportunity again, I would still use it to my advantage because I know how tough it is losing the number one spot and how sensitive the goalkeeping position is. You cannot chop and change or play one game and skip the next game and come back again. It is critical for the number one goalkeeper to keep his position and I am happy now that after having struggled for game time, I was able to play three games in a row. I am looking forward to competing and keeping the number one spot for a long time.

He believes that unlike outfield players, those who occupy the last line of defence get better with time.

œI always say goalkeepers mature like fine wine. At 35 (years of age) I think I still have a long way to go and I will still enjoy my football. It never crossed my mind that I was gonna lose hope. I just kept pushing myself on and off the field to show that I am hungry and to keep going forward.

He is experienced enough though to know that he can™t take anything for granted.

œIt feels great to be back on the field playing regularly but it is not going to be easy for me to keep the number one spot because of the competition we have in the team. In our department, Brandon (Peterson) is waiting for his opportunity, Bruce (Bvuma) Bontle Molefe is waiting for his opportunity. So every match Itumeleng Khune plays he knows he has to give an extra 10 percent on top of the 100 that he always gives. So it feels great to be back.

By: Velile Mnyandu