Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune returned to the starting line-up on Tuesday night, but the Glamour Boys were unable to avoid a 1-0 loss to Cape Town City, a result that could have far-reaching implications for the club.
Khune had been recalled to the side after regular number one shot-stopper Brandon Petersen picked up an injury at training leading up to the game, and while some sections of supporters had hoped his return would help stabilize the team, statistics have revealed that Amakhosi are actually worse off with the 36-year old starting in recent times.
OptaJabu has revealed that Chiefs have lost all seven of their previous games with Khune starting, indicating the club may be in a goalkeeping crisis. Bruce Bvuma was given a few opportunities last season but failed to make an impact, while Bontle Molefe is yet to play.
With Khune set to move into a coaching role at the end of the season, Chiefs may need to start looking for a top goalkeeper that can compete with Petersen. As previously reported by the Siya crew, they are also looking to groom 20-year old shot-stopper Lungile Nkosi, who recently returned to the DStv Diski Challenge squad, and has been invited to train with the first team by head coach Molefi Ntseki.
The loss to Cape Town City was the 12th game Amakhosi have lost in 2021, their most in a calendar year in PSL history. Only Richards Bay have lost more games than Chiefs this year (15), according to OptaJabu.