Chiefs to test keeper depth
POSER: COACH FORCED TO PICK HIS THIRD-CHOICE KEEPER
Amakhosi boss Middendorp not convinced that Khune is ready to return for semifinals.
Ernst Middendorp says it is still “not possible” for Itumeleng Khune to play for Kaizer Chiefs, and has confirmed that Bruce Bvuma will be between the poles when Amakhosi take on Maritzburg United on Sunday in the Telkom Knockout semifinals at Mbombela Stadium.
Khune has made just two appearances for Chiefs this season as he battles a shoulder injury, and Daniel Akpeyi has proved an able deputy, especially in recent matches, but the Nigerian is suspended for Sunday’s game.
Bvuma went to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals with Bafana Bafana, and started their first league game of the season at Highlands Park, but has since played just one more time, against Chippa United on November 6.
“Bruce Bvuma is playing,” said Middendorp at Chiefs training yesterday.
“He played against Chippa in PE 14 days ago and had a good game … we are not talking about a no name, he was at the Afcon as part of the national team, and will 100% be back in the national team, just let him grow. At the moment he is the clear replacement and will take the position on Sunday.
“He (Khune) is training and trying to come closer (to playing),” said Middendorp, adding a firm “no” when asked if he knew when Bafana Bafana’s former No 1 would be back.
“At a certain time I will see what he is delivering but I am waiting for feedback from the goalkeeper coaching department to say how far (away) he is at the moment. We are managing one game now (against Maritzburg) and it is not possible to think about Khune.”
Chiefs will also be missing the suspended Erick Mathoho and Willard Katsande on Sunday, but they do have Kearyn Baccus available again after injury.
“His last game was some weeks ago, he trained now during the international break and the entire week, he is very mobile and flexible and gives us an additional dimension with his responsible ball possession, we are very happy to have him back,” said the Chiefs head coach.
Middendorp knows Maritzburg particularly well, having coached United in two different spells. He did, however, indicate that this is a much-changed squad from when he last took charge of the Team of Choice in 2013.
“(There are) just two or three of their first 12 or 13 players (that he has worked with before). But if you have been with a team you do follow them closer than other teams that you have not worked with. I saw a lot of their games in the beginning (of the season) and it was a stuttering start. But of late, they have been producing results and getting what they want.