Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says there shall be no sulking amongst himself or his teammate, Daniel Akpeyi over coach Ernst Middendorp’s selections.
Middendorp is faced with a huge selection headache in the goalkeeping department, with Akpeyi having done extremely well in Khune’s absence over the past 12 months.
The Nigerian international even went on to win his maiden Absa Premiership Player of the Month accolade for September/October 2019, alongside Middendorp who bagged the Coach of the Month.
However, the German is now caught between pleasing the Amakhosi faithful with the club’s long-serving number-one and rewarding the former Chippa United shotstopper who has held the position with aplomb over the course of the season.
“I think it’s always good to give the coaches headaches on who to start and who should sit on the bench, but every time we play and get told we’re not in the starting XI, we take it as professionals and we give the support to the one who is starting and deserves it,” said Khune in defence of the coach.
“So, we’re just going to continue performing at training but we have to understand that only 11 players are allowed on the field, with one goalkeeper, so I’ll wait for my chance.
“I think it all boils down to confidence. The more I keep working hard at training, the more I will convince the coaches that I deserve to be back in the team.
“But if that doesn’t happen then I will continue supporting Daniel because it is a healthy competition, and you can see whoever is on the field is able to perform.
“Unlike other players that you will find, when they are on the bench, they sulk and the ones on the field are unable to concentrate and perform to the best of their ability.
“So, Daniel has been getting that full support from everybody in the goalkeeping department and that’s why he has been doing so well.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
