Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp says goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will likely miss the first few weeks of the season, but will return to action sometime in August.
Khune was ruled out halfway through last season with a shoulder injury and it was thought that he would be available for the start of the new Absa Premiership season.
The 32-year-old was pulled out of Amakhosi’s Carling Black Label Cup starting XI against Orlando Pirates, though, on the advice of the medical team.
The German coach has since revealed that Khune should be available in August but could not give a specific date for his return.
‘We have been very clear and the medical side confirmed that Itu will definitely be available for selection in August. We have to look now how far from the training side we can bring him into the area he feels comfortable. We have to prepare,’ Middendorp told reporters.
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‘This is a decision on an experienced goalkeeper at this level in cooperation with goalkeeper-coach, Lee Baxter … we have to decide and we have to find out whether it’s in two weeks or three weeks. But he will definitely be available in August, I’m quite sure,’ added the German mentor.
‘He’s been very impressive. I haven’t seen it before, an outstanding contribution during our camp. By the way, we worked hard from 8am to 7:30pm every day. There was no day off. On and off the field, I have seen an outstanding contribution from Itu Khune and I am very happy that he can be part of the team regularly very soon,’ concluded Middendorp.
