Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi believes that his side ‘urgently’ needs Itumeleng Khune back in the squad after his recent injury setback.

Khune has reportedly been ruled out for up to eight months after sustaining a groin injury during their 1-0 victory over Baroka in their previous Absa Premiership match.

The 32-year-old shotstopper recently returned from a nine-month stint on the sidelines and has managed to feature twice for Amakhosi against AmaZulu and Bakgaga, respectively, before picking up his current injury.

However, Akpeyi, who has stood in for the Amakhosi No 1, wishes Khune a speedy recovery as he continues to mend his way back to full fitness.

‘I’m not competing with anyone; I’m only competing with myself to be the best that I can be and to make sure that whenever I’m given an opportunity, then I try to do my best and solidify my own ground,’ Akpeyi told the media.

‘Concerning Itu [Khune], I don’t know about him going out for two months or so, but I think we need him back as urgently as possible because we need the backline to be solidified.

‘It doesn’t need to be on one person, so in case anything happens we can have him because we need his experience and we need his character behind as well.’