Khune still hungry for more
HAS NOT LOST HIS HUNGER TO SHINE FOR BAFANA The Kaizer Chiefs veteran believes his experience will rub off on other players in the squad.
Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says he is just as hungry to win with the senior men’s national team as he was when he was first promoted from the junior teams, along with late friend and colleague Senzo Meyiwa.
Khune was a surprise call-up to the national team by coach Molefi Ntseki for the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group C games against Sao Tome.
Bafana will play Sao Tome at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this evening and again on Tuesday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, with the islanders having agreed to give up home advantage for that match.
The seasoned goalkeeper is aware of murmurs opposing his inclusion in the Bafana side.
The 33-year-old was relegated to the bench at Chiefs due to injury last season and then-coach Ernst Middendorp selected Nigerian international Daniel Akpeyi ahead of the Bafana Bafana goal-minder, even when Khune was fit again.
When Gavin Hunt took over, he put Khune back in goal, but the Amakhosi development graduate conceded three goals against Mamelodi Sundowns in a league game and looked very much out of sorts.
Hunt soon recalled Akpeyi, but Khune is in Durban and is standing his ground.
“To be honest critics are always there and will always be there. I have been around in the national team for a while and the strong mentality is what has kept me there,” Khune explained to reporters at Bafana Bafana’s training camp.
“I have always turned negativity into positivity over the years, which has kept me going. I will work hard to gain my confidence at club level because I was out for nine months.”
Khune believes he is an asset to the national team as his experience will rub off on the other players in the camp.
“The guys know what I have achieved and I don’t have to keep reminding them, they draw inspiration from me. I don’t have to get to camp and start being big-headed or looking down on my teammates. My presence itself should say a lot, I am not an arrogant player, I have always been humble and I think I inspire the other guys. I am happy to be part of the team.
Bafana head coach Ntseki was delighted to have a full squad to train with, after Bongani Zungu arrived from Glasgow Rangers in Scotland.
“I am happy the last session today ( yesterday) will be with the 25 players we called up, preparation has been going very well and we are looking forward to it,” he said.