Johannesburg – Itumeleng Khune’s declining standards, from South Africa’s best goalkeeper and even one of the best in Africa to his current mistake-prone incarnation, is “a concern” for Kaizer Chiefs, coach Gavin Hunt has admitted.
Another error from Khune was costly for Chiefs on Wednesday as he came for a corner in the 85th minute for 10-man Amakhosi with the score at 1-1 in their DStv Premiership match up against AmaZulu at FNB Stadium.
The goalkeeper was unable to connect his punch properly, allowing substitute Lehlohonolo Majoro to spoon in Usuthu’s winner.
Khune sadly began to suffer serious and lengthy injuries from the 2018-19 season, and has played a total of 23 league games in Chiefs’ last three campaigns, including 2020-21.
This season he conceded 12 goal in his six starts in the league, a fair share of those from errors. Given a start ahead of Daniel Akpeyi against Amazulu, Khune dealt well with being the busier of the two keepers until his costly mistake at the end.
“Ja‚ it’s not the place‚ not the forum to talk about that. But it’s a big concern‚ yes‚ since I’ve been here‚” said Hunt in the post-match press conference when asked about Khune’s worrying statistics.
“So ja‚ it’s something we just have to keep working on and hopefully we can improve. But certainly I think it’s a bit more than that [12 goals] that you mention. So ja‚ it’s a big concern.”
