Zwane: This is the Khune we want

Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane™s decision to recall goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune back into the fold proved a masterstroke as the veteran earned hero status in their MTN8 penalty shoot-out victory over Stellenbosch FC. 

With the game tied at 1-1 after extra time, Khune saved two spot kicks to help Amakhosi confirm a place in the semifinals next month. 

Until Sunday afternoon™s appearance, the 25-year-old had not been anywhere near the starting line-up since August last year, coincidentally in the same competition from which Chiefs were booted out in the quarterfinals by Mamelodi Sundowns. 

Zwane™s reaction suggests the keeper could feature more throughout the 2022/23 season.

"We really want to create competition in all departments. It was good for us to give him an opportunity today and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands," said Zwane.

"Yes, this is the Khune we want to see. This is the Khune that can lead the team going forward. Yes, he still has to up his game and he did very well today, and I hope he will keep it that way."

Stellies could have sealed victory at the death when referee Jelly Chavani awarded them a penalty but then later reversed his decision, something coach Steve Barker believes might not have been the case had the penalty opportunity gone to their opposition.

"I've heard that it probably was the correct decision so, whether we have a delayed VAR system in our country unofficially, it seems like it was the case. As long as there's consistency with that going forward," said Barker.

"I'm not too sure if it was the other team that got the penalty with two minutes to go it would have been overturned, but hopefully it would have been."

By Mazola Molefe