The news that Amakhosi captain, Itumeleng Khune will not play in the 2019 edition of the Carling Black Label Cup is a major blow to Chiefs' hopes of a third straight win in the pre-season showpiece.
Since the competition began in 2011, Chiefs' number one goalkeeper has been voted into the starting XI for all but one edition – in 2015, he only rejoined the club two days prior to the match having initially departed Chiefs a few weeks earlier. That year, Brilliant Khuzwayo got the vote from the fans, but was injured prior to the game, meaning Reyaad Pieterse donned the gloves.
Read More: Confirmed: Major Blow For Chiefs Pre-Season Prep
In total, Khune has played an incredible 503 minutes without conceding a goal from open play in the Carling Black Label Cup, and has only been beaten during penalty shootouts.
Khune's Carling Black Label Cup Record (open play)
2011: 90 minutes, 0 goals conceded
2012: 53 minutes, 0 goals conceded
2013: 90 minutes, 0 goals conceded
2014: 90 minutes, 0 goals conceded
2015: Did not play
2016: 90 minutes, 0 goals conceded
2017: 90 minutes, 0 goals conceded
His absence from this year's competition will come as a blow as the shot-stopper conceded the least goals per game, had the best save percentage and kept the most clean sheets of all of Amakhosi's options between the sticks last season.
How much will Chiefs miss Khune against Orlando Pirates? Who should get the nod to replace him in goal? Let us know by commenting below!
