Redemption Time For Amakhosi Superstar?

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:02 pm

Itumeleng Khune has never had a better chance this season to take his place as Kaizer Chiefs’ number one back, but can ‘Spiderkid’ become first choice once again?

Khune surprisingly lost his place in the Glamour Boys’ starting XI to Daniel Akpeyi this season, firstly after a long-term injury but then also as Ernst Middendorp opted to stick with the Nigerian rather than bring back the long-time Amakhosi favourite.

Now, having kept a clean sheet in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 against Royal Eagles, the 32-year-old is set to get another chance between the sticks against Highlands Park this weekend as they aim for a place in the quarterfinals of the competition once again.

Khune is no stranger to the Nedbank Cup having won it previously during his time at Chiefs, and he’ll be eager to play his role in making sure that they end their long trophy drought in 2020 as they celebrate their 50th-anniversary.

Speaking to the club’s official website about his Nedbank memories, Khune said, “For me, the Nedbank Cup holds many special memories. I remember the 2006 Absa Cup final very well… Ernst Middendorp was our coach back then as well and I was on the bench that day.

“So, this is a very significant cup for me. I can always look back with fond memories on this tournament I won it as part of the team in 2006 and I played in the final in 2013, when we defeated SuperSport in the final.”

Akpeyi’s mistake in the 2-1 defeat against Maritzburg United may well have opened a door for Khune to get his place back in the Absa Premiership as well as in the Nedbank Cup this weekend, but that could all rely on how the Chiefs legend performs at Makhulong Stadium later this afternoon.