Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson is pleased with veteran keeper Itumeleng Khune’s return from suspension.
ITUMELENG KHUNE RETURNS FROM SUSPENSION
Itumeleng Khune’s return from suspension comes at the right time and that is according to coach Cavin Johnson.
Khune was suspended for three months following allegations of ill-discipline and his return comes as a massive boost just ahead of the Soweto Derby.
According to the former Al Ahly assistant coach, the seasoned gloveman will boost the morale in the Chiefs’ dressing room as they meet Pirates.
Moreover, Johnson says the Amakhosi fan favourite has extra energy to boost the youngsters such as Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen.
HOW WILL KHUNE BOOST CHIEFS’ MORALE IN THE SOWETO DERBY
The suspension was lifted by the Amakhosi hierarchy and the club announced this week on social media channels and Johnson welcomes the news.
“We’ve kept seven clean sheets from the past eight games and that gives us a little bit of confidence going into the derby,” said Johnson about Khune’s return.
“The players know that they have to entertain the 90,000 people at the stadium.
“We welcome Itu back. He has a lot to do as far as pulling the change-room together at this particular moment because he has more than 20 derbies under his belt.
“He brings that little bit of extra energy, but he also brings a little bit of calmness with his experience into the dressing room to make sure that his teammates are mentally prepared.”
KHUNE WILL NOT START AHEAD OF BVUMA DESPITE RETURN
While Khune is set to play a major role in the dressing room, there’s no doubt that Bvuma will keep his place as number one.
Johnson added that he hopes to see his players in good shape to ensure they avenge the 1-0 loss they suffered to the Buccaneers in the previous round.
“Physically, we know the players should be ready, tactically we will do the best we can. Technically, they don’t play for Chiefs and not be technically good,” Johnson added.
“So taking all those things into consideration, Yes, we are ready, but the biggest thing for me is how ready you are mentally. It’s a mental game.
“Some players have probably not played in front of 90,000 people before, so as far as Itu is concerned, we expect to help his teammates with mental strength, especially the younger ones.”
The Westbury-born mentor also speaks about their ambitions when it comes to Caf competitions.
“Yes, it was one of our objectives and it’s been one of the club’s objectives for a long time now, and if we’re able to [win] this one on Saturday, it would just give you a lot more to play for in ending up as high as we can in the league,” said Johnson.
“The league still has a lot more – I think there’s still about 10 or 11 – games left, and that’s a lot of games to play, but if we do get a positive result on Saturday, which we’re hoping for, then it will put us into a good standing going into the remaining 10 games in the PSL.”
The eagerly anticipated derby will kick-off at FNB Stadium on Saturday at 3.30pm.
OTHER DSTV PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES:
Saturday: Stellenbosch v Spurs, Danie Craven (3.30pm); Swallows v Sekhukhune, Dobsonville (5.30pm); SuperSport v AmaZulu, Peter Mokaba (5.30pm); Sundowns v Chippa, Lucas Moripe (8pm); Bay v Galaxy, King Zwelithini (8pm)
Sunday: Polokwane v Arrows, Old Peter Mokaba (3.30pm); Royal v CPT City, Harry Gwala (5.45pm).
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