Baxter hints at Khune’s return

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Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune

The South African Football Association has confirmed that goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune underwent a fitness test ahead of Bafana Bafana’s Fifa World Cup qualifier against Senegal on Friday.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper fractured a facial bone during Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 victory over Chippa United in their Telkom Knockout Cup quarter-final clash on Sunday.

However, Khune has since linked up with the national team in Polokwane, where he will be further assessed by Bafana Bafana’s medical staff.

Safa has confirmed that the Amakhosi goalkeeper was put through his paces during their training session, and looks certain to feature against the Lions of Teranga.

‘Although coach Stuart Baxter was cagey whether Khune is certain to pass a fitness test, the influential goalkeeper was buoyant as usual, insisting he was always prepared to die for his country,’ Safa revealed on their official website.

‘First, he went through his ritual of jogging around the pitch before the team’s physical trainer put him through a rigorous fitness exercise.

‘After that, he was put through the normal routine of stopping the balls, where he looked sharp and not showing any effect of the facial fracture he suffered against Chippa United on Sunday.’

Bafana will welcome Senegal to the Peter Mokaba Stadium for their must-win Fifa World Cup qualifier on Friday, with kick-off at 19:00.

Photo: Safa website