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Middendorp to tread carefully with Khune

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Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs
  • Post published:August 27, 2019

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp says he will be careful with the reintegration of Itumeleng Khune into the Chiefs side as the captain nears a return after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Amakhosi will do battle against Cape Town City in the Mother City on Tuesday with Middendorp’s charges looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Khune was set to return to action in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with SuperSport United after he had shoulder surgery at the start of the year.

However, he remained on the bench as Nigerian international Daniel Akpeyi saved a last-minute penalty to ensure the Soweto giants walked away with a point.

Middendorp was asked about his captain’s return after the match.

‘Let me quote myself without being arrogant. I said Khama Billiat would be available for selection, and I said Itu Khune will be available for selection with a view to this game [against SuperSport United],’ explained Middendorp.

‘That doesn’t mean I’m dumping myself into a headache or whatever, in terms of [having to field them]. We just had to monitor the situation and how these guys are performing.

‘We’re discussing it every day and watching it, analysing it and looking forward. I think in this moment we had a win-win situation for everybody as Khune was in the squad and felt the team environment, which he last felt I think on December 21, 2018.

‘And good, let’s be careful with putting him in. We’ll do it step by step.’

With Akpeyi putting in a quality performance against SuperSport, Middendorp admitted that it was good for the Nigerian’s standing at the club.

‘Of course, Daniel Akpeyi did a wonderful job and I think that’s good for him too and for his position here inside the club.’