Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika believes the return to form of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has been a major factor in boosting the team’s confidence. Khune was recently entrusted with the number one spot in goal for Chiefs and has been showing glimpses of his old best.
Prior to the FIFA World Cup break, the 35-year-old was injured and missed a few games for Amakhosi. However, he returned on New Year’s Eve to inspire the Glamour Boys to a 2-0 win over Golden Arrows. His reflex saves throughout the game earned him a Man of the Match accolade.
Kwinika, who plays alongside Edmilson Dove at centre-back, believes the impressive performance of the team keeping cleansheets is not only down to Khune.
“Itu is one of the greatest players you can have in the country, in the team, so I don’t want to put it as if it’s only about Itu,” Kwinika said at the club’s Open Media Day. “But everyone within the team has a role to play. For Itu to go and make those saves I think it’s part of his job also.”
The defender also highlighted the importance of Khune, who is the captain of the side, returning to form, as it boosts the confidence of the whole team. “So I think it brings the confidence, he’s our leader and he’s leading by example, that’s what we’re grateful for,” he added.
On Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs will resume their league schedule when they host Sekhukhune United on the day the club will be celebrating their 53rd birthday. Arthur Zwane’s charges are placed fourth on the standings, ten points behind table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns, who will be in action on Friday evening against Richards Bay.
As we get closer to our Birthday tomorrow to celebrate our 53 years together let us remember to be courageous, gracious, weightless, it’s the only way to achieve greatness.
Kaizer Chiefs. One Team, One Family, One Nation, One Africa ❤️✌KC53 Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/mASKgavQ1x
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 6, 2023
