The Khune factor

Kaizer Chiefs go into the game without their tried, tested and reliable number one in Itumeleng Khune. The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper has been the glue that keeps Amakhosi’s defence tight, singlehandedly standing between the team and losing games. Since Khune’s long-term shoulder injury, which will see him miss no less than seven months of active football, the club’s number two, Virgil Vries, has become their number one. The big shoes left by Khune seem to be a tad too big for the former Baroka FC goal minder, judging by a couple of elementary mistakes that have not done his cause any good. It was against Mamelodi Sundowns in coach Ernst Middendorp’s first game that Vries mitimed a long ball from Sundowns’ left back, Lyle Lakay, that bounced in front of him and made its way to the empty net before Lebohang Maboe finished it off. Vries was at it again when he missed what looked to be a routine catch against Cape Town City that resulted in the only goal of the game, scored by Dove Edmilson, which rubbed coach Middendorp the wrong way. The German mentor made his feelings known and, a few days later, Chiefs roped in Chippa United’s number one goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, who is likely to make his debut on Saturday. Will Akpeyi or Vries grab the opportunity to endear themselves into the hearts of the Amakhosi supporters in Khune’s absence or will the supporters continue to miss their injured number one? An Amakhosi legend chips in...