Ernst Middendorp has issued an update on Kaizer Chiefs’ goalkeeper situation, giving the Amakhosi faithful some good news regarding their number one and captain…
Check out what Middendorp had to say about their keepers in the gallery above!
Itumeleng Khune hasn’t played for Chiefs since undergoing surgery on his shoulder at the end of last year, but it seems that his eight-month wait could soon be over after Middendorp revealed that he’s on the verge of a return.
Chiefs have used Bruce Bvuma and Daniel Akpeyi in their opening two games of the 2019/20 Absa Premiership season, and it appears that they may make it three in three given the fact that they now have a couple of weeks to get Khune fit for the clash with SuperSport United on August 24.
Bvuma was due to start against Black Leopards over the weekend after playing v Highlands Park on the opening day, however he was pulled out at the last minute due to a groin injury that meant that Akpeyi was handed his first start of the campaign.
Middendorp says that he’s happy with the shape of his goalkeeping department – who are under the tutelage of Lee Baxter – and praised his Nigerian shot-stopper after his clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Leopards.
Speaking to Chiefs’ official website, the German revealed, “Bruce Bvuma felt some discomfort to his groin area during the week. The technical team thought he was going to be fine to play but unfortunately the pain persisted during warm-up. We took a decision to withdraw him and put him on the bench because we didn’t want to risk aggravating the injury.
“We have resolved that area with both Bruce Bvuma and Daniel Akpeyi doing well, you saw on Saturday Akpeyi did well. His presence and command of the back row was fantastic. Work on Itumeleng Khune continues. He’s been playing in some practice matches. He is left with only one full practice match to be available for selection.”
Should Khune be back in contention v SuperSport then Middendorp may have a selection dilemma on his hands as Chiefs look to make it three wins from three in the league for the first time in just under a year.
