Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune believes that only injuries have held him back from breaking records, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

The current Chiefs captain made his 300th appearance for Amakhosi in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup, and he believes that if it weren’t for injuries, he would have reached the mark a lot sooner.

Speaking at the Kaizer Chiefs media open day in building up to Saturday’s clash against AmaZulu in the Absa Premiership, Khune admitted that injuries have held him back. ‘I could have played more games for the club if it wasn’t for injuries, but challenges are there and as footballers, we are bound to have those challenges. How you bounce back and how strong you are mentally, is what is important.

‘I’m happy to have reached such a milestone and not that I’m competing or want to break records, but I just want to continue to do what I love, which is to play football.’

The goalkeeper then proceeded to list some of the legends on whom he is closing in: ‘There’s Doctor Khumalo on 397, there’s Bryan Baloyi and Shabba ahead of me. Those are great legends and I’m just happy to be named amongst them.’

Khune was also quick to point out that as a goalkeeper, he has a realistic chance of catching those Chiefs legends. ‘It gives me motivation. I think I’m left with nine more seasons, I’m thirty-one now and I want to play until I am forty.’

The Bafana stopper believes he has what it takes to reach 600 games for Chiefs, ‘It will take a lot of discipline from me. I will have to look after my body and if I continue working hard, I will reach that milestone.’

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/Backpagepix