Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune believes that the side have failed to reach the heights expected of them saying that the people ‘deserve better’, DEAN WORKMAN reports.
It was reported on Monday that only 7 300 tickets have been sold for the clash with the South African people seemingly disillusioned with the team’s performances over the past few years as they have failed to qualify for various African Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.
Bafana, however, still have their future in their hands heading needing just 3 more points to qualify for the 2019 Afcon in Cameroon heading into the clash against Nigeria.
Stuart Baxter’s team sit second in group E, just one point behind Saturday’s opponents, and are yet to lose a game in qualifying, although disappointing 0-0 draws against Libya at home and the Seychelles away have made qualification slightly more difficult.
Khune was asked by the media on Tuesday if Bafana have been unfairly judged by fans and critics.
‘I think our people deserve better,’ responded the Kaizer Chiefs captain.
‘We have to win every game we play, we are in a top league and we are in the top 10 in Africa.
We have great players who have great potential to play so many matches and win.
‘So, sometimes I think we don’t do justice to our country and our fans and they have every right to be mad at us. We deserve to give them positive results.
‘I don’t think we have been unfairly judged, I think they are right we need to deliver in every match we play,’ added Khune.
The goalkeeper was then asked about the low number of tickets that have been sold for Saturday’s clash.
‘You know how South African’s are, they like last minute things. They will go and buy tickets we just need to make sure we encourage them to come to the stadium and make promises that we will deliver.
‘Its our promise that we will do well, we will defiantly go out there and represent the country well, so they must do their part as well by coming to support the team,’ concluded Khune.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
