Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has been confirmed as the new captain of South African Premier Soccer League club, Kaizer Chiefs, and the Bafana shot-stopper says that he is ready for the pressure that comes with the role.
The 29-year-old previously captained the Soweto-based club in the 2014-15 season, before the captaincy was given to Tefu Mashamaite due to Khune’s persistent injuries.
When the South African left the club to join Swedish side Hacken, the armband was entrusted to Siphiwe Tshabalala. Chiefs did not enjoy a successful campaign during 2015-16, and with the new season about to begin, the Amakhosi have decided that their keeper should be given the responsibility of leading his charges into battle.
‘All what I can say is that I am ready to lead… I have led before and I know what the armband comes with. It comes with a lot of pressure,’ the veteran goalkeeper admitted.
‘I enjoy playing under pressure because it brings the best out of me, and I am able to pass this to my teammates. Our supporters demand results. We are ready to defend the badge and make our supporters happy,’ Khune added.
The Chiefs captain was part of the South African men’s football team that took part in the Rio 2016 Olympics, playing an important role as one of the overage players in the Under-23 side.
His performances and leadership qualities stood out in Rio, though the team did not progress past the group stage.