Bvuma targets return to continental action

KAIZER Chiefs’ ability to nurture some of the finest goalkeepers over the years has made it difficult for anyone to walk into the starting team, and that’s why current No 1 Bruce Bvuma is crediting his hard work for his run in the side.

After the arrival of Brandon Petersen this season, Bvuma was expected to be pushed further down the pack, given that Nigerian international Daniel Akpeyi and Bafana Bafana star Itumeleng Khune were still in the set-up.

Coach Stuart Baxter, before being fired, gave all four a chance between the sticks in the first half of the season, and it was Petersen that emerged as the No. 1 early this year.

A poor run of form from the former Bidvest Wits goalie saw interim coach Arthur Zwane make a change, with Bvuma getting the nod ahead of the fully fit trio.

Bvuma has grabbed the bull by the horns, conceding once in Chiefs’ recent three-game purple patch as they bagged seven points out of a possible nine. “It wasn’t easy, it hasn’t been easy, and I knew it wasn’t going be easy. If you want to play for Chiefs, you go through challenges,” he said.

“I knew that I had to keep working hard and give my best each and every time.

“I tell people when they ask why I am not playing that we have four number ones here at Chiefs. So, whoever gets their day always does the job. All you must do is be patient and wait for your chance while you are ready.”

Chiefs have had a turbulent domestic season – they are on course to endure a seventh trophy-less campaign.

Amid the crisis, Chiefs could salvage their season by qualifying for continental football next season if they finish second or third on the log standings.

The permutations are simple: Chiefs must beat Swallows FC tomorrow, bank on Cape Town City to lose against Stellenbosch, while Royal AM and Orlando Pirates must draw their last two games.

A Chiefs win over Swallows at FNB in the Soweto derby wouldn’t only increase their chances of playing continental football next season, but it could all but relegate their neighbours. “I believe they are in this position based on performance,” Bvuma said of Swallows.