Itumeleng Khune has been a constant feature in the Soweto Derby over the years, featuring 27 times in the clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. But, with Brandon Petersen starting ahead of Khune in Amakhosi’s last four matches, Soccer Laduma looks at how the team has performed with and without him in this clash over the last five seasons.
Earlier this season, Khune was not in the team for the derby, as Petersen got the nod to start the clash. Amakhosi edged the tie 1-0, thanks to a spectacular goal from midfielder Yusuf Maart, who opened his account for the club with a goal from his own half.
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Last season, veteran did not feature in any of the derbies, as Amakhosi won both ties 2-1. Daniel Akpeyi started the clash in the first half of the season and Petersen was in between the sticks for the second round clash.
In 2020/21, Khune again did not feature in any of the Premiership clashes against the Buccaneers. Chiefs lost the first round clash 2-1 with Akpeyi in goal. The second round clash ended 1-0 in favour of Amakhosi, as Akpeyi kept a clean sheet.
The 35-year-old made only six appearances in the 2019/20 season, but none of them were in the derby. Chiefs registered a 3-2 win in the first half of the season, with Akpeyi on duty in goal. The Nigerian shot-stopper went on to keep a clean sheet in the second round clash in a 1-0 victory.
The 2018/19 campaign is the last time Khune featured for Amakhosi in a Premiership Soweto Derby clash. On the day, in the first half of the season, Chiefs lost 2-1. Khune was ruled out for the second round clash, which ended 1-1, with Akpeyi in goal.
During the 2017/18 campaign, Khune played both derbies and was the last time the shot-stopper featured in both clashes in one season. In the first half of the campaign, the sides played out to a goalless draw. In the second round clash, Amakhosi were hammered 3-1.
As Kaizer Chiefs prepare to take on Orlando Pirates on Saturday, they may not be too worried if the captain is not on the pitch, as results in the last five seasons show that they can get the job done without him.
