Itumeleng Khune during the Kaizer Chiefs media briefing at Moses Mabhida Stadium on August 04, 2023 in Durban, South Africa.
(Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images),
Head coach Cavin Johnson has opened up on the return of experienced goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune to the Kaizer Chiefs squad after serving his suspension.
The club announced on Wednesday that the 36-year-old would be rejoining the squad after having served his suspension period handed down by the club in December last year.
“Kaizer Chiefs’ longest serving player, Itumeleng Khune, has rejoined the team following his separation from his teammates in order to fulfil certain conditions required of him before he could be allowed back at the Village,” a club statement reads.
READ | Johnson to make tough Khune call ahead of Soweto derby
Khune was ‘temporarily’ separated’ by Chiefs following an internal investigation. This came after multiple reports surfaced alleging that Khune had been guilty of a number of transgressions at the Naturena-based club, including allegedly reporting for training under the influence of alcohol.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Soweto Derby, Johnson explained what important role Khune would play on his return.
“Yeah, Itu has come back and we welcome him back,” Johnson said.
“For sure, I think he has got a lot to do as far as holding the changing room together in this particular moment.
“Because of the derby, I think he has got more than 20 under his belt. He brings that little bit of extra energy, but he also brings that extra calmness with his experience into the dressing room, into the players’ group.
“For me, it’s a mental game. You probably haven’t played in front of 90,000 for a long time. It’s unlike [when] you’re in the Bundesliga or Serie A or something where stadiums are always full.
ALSO READ | Ndah hits back at Chiefs star after Soweto Derby comments
“We don’t have that 90,000 often, but 90,000 Gold and Black or Black and White together, it’s a different scenario. So, yes, as far as Itu is concerned, we expect him to give a lot of mental strength to the younger players.”
Chiefs take on rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday, with kick off at 15:30.
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